TRADING PLACES: Battling with Business: Inside High Performing Teams

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by the endless “Top 10 Ways to Lead” lists, only to realise that thriving teams and high-performing cultures aren’t built by ticking boxes? In this special episode of Beyond the Water Cooler, I’m sharing my recent guest appearance on Battling with Business, where I joined Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener to dive into what truly helps people and organisations flourish.

We explored why leadership is far more nuanced than a job title or a generic playbook - it’s an ongoing commitment to understanding individual needs, being curious about what motivates others, and creating meaningful, authentic connections. Genuine interest and thoughtful feedback unlock unseen potential and build the trust every great team needs.

Our conversation covered:

The real meaning of leadership as a set of daily behaviours
Why curiosity and empathy are essential for team performance
Building psychological safety through vulnerability and honest questions
How feedback helps uncover hidden strengths and encourage growth
Creating connection - whether through personal stories or simple, agenda-free chats
What leaders can do to protect and support their teams, especially under pressure
The vital role of trust in high performing cultures

We talked openly about the everyday challenges leaders face when building psychological safety, especially in times of stress, and shared practical ideas for scaling healthy cultures in large organisations. Ultimately, we agreed - it’s the small moments, genuine conversations, and intentional focus on people that create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

If you’re passionate about leadership, management, and nurturing working environments where people perform at their best, this discussion offers fresh, practical insights you can take away today.

More about Battling with Business:

In the Battling with Business podcast, Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines Officer, and Chris Kitchener, a veteran of the software development world, explore ideas and concepts around teams and teamwork, leaders and leadership, and all things in between. It’s a discussion between a former military commander and a business manager, comparing and contrasting their experiences as they attempt to work out what makes teams, leaders, and businesses tick.