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2026: The Trends of a Successful Leader - Episode 30

What makes a leader in 2026?Modern leadership isn’t shaped by perfect plans, but by pivotal moments, adversity, curiosity, and ultimately by authenticity.We’re stepping back from the individual stories we’ve explored on Pivot Points so far, to explore these deeper themes that emerged across our conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating leaders.Key takeaways from this episode:Leaders adapt when their career path doesn’t go to planHardship forges resilience, so don’t shy away from adversitySpend more time on your people, not on your planCuriosity is the spark that helps you seize opportunitiesChristian Mazzi https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mazzi-47870Steinar Sønsteby https://www.linkedin.com/in/steinarsonsteby/Sarah Walker-Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-smith-4708a5b/Piers Linney https://www.pierslinney.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierslinney/Matthew Wenger https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwenger/James Ainscoughhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesainscough/Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Transparency at the Top: How Authenticity Creates Culture That Lasts with CEO of Securian Canada, Nigel Branker - Episode 29

Being a good person and being a great leader are not mutually exclusive, and Nigel Branker is perfect proof.His leadership is grounded in empathy. He’s not afraid to shy away from money in order to nurture trust and invest in brand equity.Nigel’s path to becoming Securian Canada’s CEO wasn’t perfectly choreographed, but his values have shone through at every pivotal step.Meet the man who dares to give CEO’s a great name, for whom authenticity and empathy is the greatest USP - the leader who always does the right thing, because culture is about what you do when nobody is looking…You will learn:How Nigel Branker's leadership style is grounded in transparency, empathy, and purposeHow modern leaders should balance business results with a culture of trust and inclusivityThe real-world challenges and rewards of unifying multiple organisations under a shared visionHow thoughtful, innovative use of technology empowers people and organisationsThe value of being open to growth, embracing new experiences, and nurturing resilience 🔑 Key ThemesThe Power of Empathetic LeadershipGuiding a Business with Authenticity and PurposeCultural Transformation in a Challenging IndustryBalancing Profitable Work with Brand EquityThe Future of Work & Technology in BusinessNigel Branker https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-branker/Securian Canadahttps://www.securiancanada.ca/https://www.linkedin.com/company/securian-canada/Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Flipping the Script: How to Overturn the Recession in Moral Leadership with Co-Founder of Apolitical, Robyn Scott - Episode 28

Robyn Scott exemplifies leadership without conventional boundaries. Her formative experiences instilled a sense of global responsibility, a drive she has consistently channeled into impactful initiatives.Robyn is a many-time Co-Founder, and this journey is marked by insights into celebrating unsung leaders and inciting tangible change on a monumental scale.Join us on Pivot Points, as we explore the strategic mindset of a leader who redefines what it means to lead in an unstable world.Key takeaways from this episode:Upbringing can shape a passion for social impact and innovative problem-solvingIt’s often policy failures which underlie larger issuesGovernments are at a turning point with AI, and they need to be aware of the opportunities and challenges surrounding itWhen you benchmark against yourself, rather than others, you rethink the meaning of limits and what is possible🔑 Key ThemesHow Childhood Experiences Create Fearless EntrepreneurshipRedefining Governmental Structures Through ApoliticalCreating Projects Which Catalyse Social InnovationAI’s Potential & Risks in Public ServiceLeading with Courage and Values at Your CoreRobyn Scott https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynscott/?originalSubdomain=ukApoliticalhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/apolitical/Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

The Intentional Brilliance of an Accidental CEO with Senior Advisor and Former-CEO of Flatiron Health, Carolyn Starrett - Episode 27

Carolyn Starrett’s purpose-led career has strategically pivoted from changing how the world connects, to changing how the world lives...She took the reins of Flatiron Health amid a turbulent leadership transition where much of the senior team departed. How do you survive navigating such instability? Her masterful ability to bring teams on a journey.She's an ‘accidental CEO’, whose intentionality has been essential to the resilience and crisis management that’s helped Flatiron Health to thrive.Today’s conversation reads like a rulebook on how to build team consensus, lead with purpose, and prepare a succession plan for when it’s time to step down…You will learn:To lead through change by embracing itThat building consensus brings your teams on a change journey with youHow to lead with intention, find personal meaning in work, and use vision and mission to motivate teamsHow curating a strong leadership bench prepares organisations for long-term success🔑 Key ThemesPurpose-driven leadership through instability Building a culture of alignment to navigate challengesEmbracing change as part of individual and business transformationTeam development and succession planningCarolyn Starrett https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynstarrett/Flatiron Healthhttps://flatiron.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/flatiron-health/Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Charting the Map for Transformative Leadership with Ordnance Survey’s CEO, Nick Bolton - Episode 26

The path to success is rarely linear, and if anyone can help chart a course to the top, it’s Ordnance Survey’s CEO, Nick Bolton.Nick’s unconventional career path - from software developer to product manager, marketing director and ultimately CEO - highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and seizing unexpected opportunities. In this episode of Pivot Points, Nick and Dave unpick how crisis management, team motivation and a holistic approach to business can transform organisations. You will learn:How to rapidly realign organisational culture during challenging periods.Insights into building businesses that create sustainable valueThe importance of leveraging technical expertise across different leadership roles. How to balance risk reduction with strategic expansion. Nick Bolton https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bolton-19275627/Ordnance Surveyhttps://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ordnance-survey/Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/