Trust cascades downward. Those three words capture the essence of Rob Mullen's leadership philosophy as Managing Director of Trenitalia C2C Rail and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bath City Football Club Foundation. In this compelling conversation with Neil and Albert, Rob reveals why honesty and transparency form the bedrock of his approach to leading a major UK railway company.

What sets great leaders apart? For Rob, it begins with creating an environment where people feel heard, supported, and trusted to make decisions. He shares how his father's simple wisdom—"If you don't tell us the truth, we can't help you"—shaped his leadership journey and continues to guide how he builds trust within his organization today.

The conversation takes us inside Rob's unconventional methods for connecting with frontline staff. From driving trains himself to working night security shifts alongside his team and even making station announcements, Rob demonstrates that true leadership means getting your hands dirty. These aren't mere gestures—they're deliberate strategies that build credibility and show genuine care for employee welfare.

Most powerful is Rob's candid discussion of vulnerability. He recounts personal stories of acknowledging his own mistakes, apologizing when needed, and creating space for others to do the same. This vulnerability-first approach has transformed C2C's culture, creating what he calls "high challenge, high support" teams where difficult conversations happen without damaging relationships.

Rob's personal leadership journey reveals how finding his authentic voice—rather than trying to fit someone else's leadership mold—unlocked his true potential. Through life's challenges, including a divorce that forced deep reflection and rediscovery through ultra-running, he found that "being Rob Mullen was okay" and ultimately more effective than trying to be someone he wasn't.

Whether you're leading a major organization or taking your first steps into management, this episode offers practical wisdom on building trust, empowering teams, and leading with authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Subscribe now and discover why the most powerful leadership tool might be the courage to be yourself.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how leaders work, but are you leveraging it effectively? Dr. David Hooper, founder of Lunala AI, joins us to demystify how leaders can strategically implement AI to transform their effectiveness.

This eye-opening conversation reveals that most leaders are barely scratching the surface of AI's potential. Rather than simply asking ChatGPT random questions, true AI integration requires a "golden thread" running through your entire organization. Dr. Hooper explains how leaders can reclaim up to 10 hours weekly – nearly 500 hours annually – by creating AI assistants that handle routine inquiries, freeing you to focus on high-impact activities that truly showcase your leadership abilities.

We explore practical applications like creating your own AI assistant, automating email responses, and using AI to enhance meeting preparation. Dr. Hooper emphasizes that successful AI implementation is fundamentally a change management project requiring proper strategy and support. Beyond the productivity gains, we dive into critical ethical considerations including transparency in AI usage and environmental impacts of AI energy consumption.

For leaders feeling overwhelmed by AI's complexity, there's reassuring news: Dr. Hooper reveals it takes only about 20 hours of dedicated research to join the top 10% of people knowledgeable about AI. He recommends starting with just one repetitive task in your workflow, whether that's email management or handling internal inquiries.

Despite AI's transformative potential, the conversation reaffirms that human leadership qualities remain irreplaceable. The most successful leaders will strategically integrate AI while doubling down on uniquely human leadership elements. Ready to transform how you lead? Listen now and discover how to harness AI's power without getting left behind.

What does it take to navigate a 40-year leadership journey? Chris Mallon, who recently retired after 36 years at Lloyds Banking Group, reveals the timeless principles that guided him from an 18-year-old trainee to executive leadership.

Chris challenges the notion that great leaders are born, arguing instead that leadership develops through continuous learning and growth. "I kept learning right up to the very day that I left," he shares, emphasizing how this commitment to improvement kept him relevant through decades of technological and organizational change. His powerful guiding principle—"lead the way you wish to be led"—offers a simple yet profound approach to authentic leadership that resonates with teams at all levels.

Perhaps most striking is Chris's insight on team composition. "The worst thing you can ever do as a leader is surround yourself with another eight, nine, ten versions of you," he explains, highlighting how diversity of thought creates stronger solutions. His practical approach to creating space for quieter voices reveals how the most innovative ideas often come from those least likely to demand attention in meetings.

The conversation explores how leadership must adapt across organizational levels while maintaining core values, and contrasts the unique challenges of leading in large corporations versus startups. Throughout, Chris returns to his conviction that people remain any organization's most valuable asset—a truth he demonstrated by choosing early retirement to create advancement opportunities for his team.

Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or reflecting on years of experience, Chris's hard-earned wisdom offers valuable perspective on creating environments where teams thrive and leaders continuously evolve. Subscribe now to hear more leadership insights from those who've navigated the challenges you're facing.

What makes leaders truly effective? Is it technical expertise, strategic vision, or something more fundamental? Former Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton's remarkable 30-year police career reveals it might be much simpler – and more powerful – than we think.

Rising from a young constable with no leadership ambitions to commanding over 1,000 staff across a third of Hampshire, Mark discovered leadership principles that transformed troubled communities and built exceptional teams. His approach centered on genuine human connection: "Look after your staff, genuinely care about your staff, listen to them, always listen."

Mark's leadership wasn't about complex theories but practical wisdom. He created memorable purpose statements like "Make the criminal fear crime, not the victim" that crystallized mission for his teams. When confronted with a housing estate considered too dangerous for police, he rejected the status quo with determination: "I'm not having that at all." His strategic response transformed the neighborhood so dramatically that residents wrote emotional letters expressing how officers had "given me my life back."

Perhaps most powerful was Mark's approach to cross-sector collaboration. Discovering neighborhoods in his jurisdiction ranked among England's most deprived, he gathered community partners and asked a profound question: "What do we want to be remembered for?" This shifted focus from bureaucratic processes to meaningful change.

Whether walking unannounced through police stations to connect with officers, recognizing good work rather than just catching mistakes, or showing vulnerability as a senior leader, Mark demonstrated that authentic leadership transcends rank or industry. His journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and humanity.

If you're leading teams or aspiring to leadership positions, subscribe to Leadership Detectives for more conversations uncovering the true essence of great leadership. Share your thoughts on Mark's approach in the comments below!

Feedback is the compass that guides exceptional leadership, yet many leaders avoid this vital tool. In this revealing conversation, we uncover why feedback is critical for leadership growth and how it directly impacts employee retention and engagement.

When was the last time you asked your team for honest feedback about your leadership? If you're hesitating, you're not alone. We explore the psychological barriers that prevent leaders from seeking input and provide practical approaches to overcome feedback avoidance. From structured 360-degree assessments to informal coffee conversations, we share proven techniques for soliciting meaningful insights that drive improvement.

The most powerful moment comes when we share a startling story about a leader who received abysmal feedback scores and immediately dismissed them, convinced that everyone else had misunderstood the questions. This cautionary tale highlights how defensiveness becomes the ultimate roadblock to growth and improvement.

We distinguish between solicited and unsolicited feedback, offering specific strategies for receiving unexpected input gracefully. Learn why timing matters, how to avoid the defensive "yeah, but..." response, and why assuming positive intent transforms difficult feedback conversations into growth opportunities.

Creating a continuous feedback culture emerges as the ultimate leadership goal—where giving and receiving input becomes woven into daily interactions rather than relegated to annual reviews. This shift fundamentally changes organizational dynamics, creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to share their perspectives.

Ready to transform your leadership through the power of feedback? This episode provides the blueprint for making feedback your most valuable leadership development tool. Subscribe to the Leadership Detectives for more insights that will sharpen your leadership skills and transform your impact.

Restructuring. The very word can send ripples of anxiety through an organization. But what does it really mean to lead effectively through this challenging process? In this candid conversation, leadership experts Albert Joseph and Neil Thubron tackle the complex realities of guiding teams through organizational change.

Drawing from their extensive corporate experience, Albert and Neil explore how restructuring extends far beyond cost-cutting measures. They emphasize that effective leaders must deeply understand and genuinely support the strategic reasons behind restructuring decisions. Without this foundation, communicating with authenticity becomes impossible. As they note with refreshing directness: if you can't get behind the direction your company is taking, leadership during restructuring probably isn't for you.

The discussion provides practical guidance on balancing seemingly conflicting responsibilities: executing corporate directives while supporting affected team members, maintaining business continuity while managing uncertainty, and handling others' emotional responses while monitoring your own wellbeing. Their advice ranges from communication strategies and change management techniques to leveraging professional networks for departing employees and recognizing that restructuring sometimes creates unexpected opportunities.

Perhaps most valuable is their exploration of self-care for leaders during restructuring. They acknowledge the immense pressure of managing organizational change while supporting both leaving and remaining team members. Their recommendation? Don't hesitate to seek help, whether through HR resources, employee assistance programs, or coaching support. Remember the airline safety instruction: secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.

Whether you're currently leading through restructuring, anticipating changes ahead, or simply want to strengthen your leadership toolkit, this episode offers invaluable insights for navigating organizational transformation with integrity, empathy and effectiveness. The hosts even extend a personal invitation to reach out if you need additional support during your restructuring journey.

What happens when leaders can't let go? In this eye-opening exploration of trust in leadership, Albert Joseph and Neil Thubron tackle one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of leading teams effectively.

We dive deep into the struggle many leaders face: trusting their team to perform without constant supervision. Whether you're an entrepreneur who's grown a business from the ground up or a corporate leader responsible for large teams, the ability to trust your people fundamentally shapes your effectiveness and your team's performance.

Drawing from both personal experiences and research, we unpack the remarkable benefits of high-trust environments – from 50% higher productivity to 74% less stress according to Harvard Business studies. But how do you build this environment when letting go feels so risky?

Albert shares a powerful story about realizing his hands-on management style was actually sending the message that he didn't trust his team's capabilities. "I thought I was helping, but I was actually interfering," he reveals, highlighting how even well-intentioned leaders can undermine trust without realizing it.

The episode offers practical approaches for leaders struggling with delegation, including a four-pillar framework for assessing team readiness and establishing management systems that allow you to step back while staying informed. We also tackle the delicate balance between creating a "fail-fast" learning environment versus allowing underperformance.

For leaders seeking to transform their effectiveness and their team's potential, this conversation provides both the inspiration and practical tools to build organizations where trust flourishes. As Neil demonstrates through his own business experience, when you finally trust your team enough to truly let go, they often exceed your expectations in ways you never imagined possible.

In this episode, we delve deep into the challenging landscape of toxic leadership. Toxic leaders can manifest in various ways, often leading to detrimental impacts on team dynamics, individual morale, and overall productivity. We explore the core characteristics and behaviors associated with toxic leadership and provide actionable insights on how to recognize these individuals in the workplace. 

As we analyze the nuances of toxic behavior, we highlight the ripple effect these leaders have on both the immediate team and the broader organizational culture. We engage in enlightening conversations about essential coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and resilience when dealing with difficult leaders. You'll learn how to take ownership of your situation, document your experiences, set healthy boundaries, and when necessary, explore pathways toward a healthier work environment, either within your current role or through seeking new opportunities.

Join us for a candid discussion that’s packed not just with insights but also with encouragement and support, reminding you that you are not alone in these struggles. Tune in to discover valuable tips that can help transform your workplace experience, and be sure to share your thoughts with us!

Dive into an engaging exploration of leadership evolution as we reunite after three years to reflect on the dramatic shifts in our understanding of effective leadership. From the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the rapid technological advancements reshaping our workplaces, we dissect how these changes have forced leaders to navigate complex challenges. 

Our conversation spans the spectrum of emerging issues like the rise of micromanagement and decreasing trust among teams, effectively painting a picture of the current state of leadership. We ask critical questions: Is leadership an inherent trait, or can it truly be developed and learned over time? 

By sharing personal stories and observing recent trends, we encourage our listeners to reflect on their leadership experiences and contribute their insights. We actively invite you to participate by sharing how your leadership style has transformed and what insights you've gained along the way. 

Join us as we seek to understand the clues of great leadership and the qualities that shape inspiring leaders in today's dynamic environment. Your engagement helps foster a community of growth and learning. Subscribe for more discussions and insights, and we look forward to hearing from you!

In this insightful episode of The Leadership Detectives, Albert and Neil unpack the importance of listening to teams - and how effective listening can lead to magic happening in any organisation.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Albert and Neil invite Military Cross retired army colonel, Richard Westley OBE, onto this episode. Richard shares how, after years of following orders, he found success as a leader in the corporate world.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Albert and Neil sit down to discuss how Matrix Management can empower leaders to get the best out of workplace support teams.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

 In this episode of The Leadership Detectives, Albert and Neil discuss strong leadership insights with ex-British Lions England A rugby legend and successful business owner, Harvey Thorneycroft.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Season 03 Episode 02 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we look at how a bit of gratitude can go a long way in a leadership role, and how this powerful emotion can bring about positive change in both our business and personal lives.

 Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Season 03 Episode 01 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we talk about leadership and the importance of diversity with our inspirational guest, Jacqueline de Rojas CBE. Jacqueline is the President of techUK and Chair of the Board of Digital Leaders.

Jacqueline dives into, among other leadership qualities, the need for embracing diversity and change, and altering the way we view setbacks.

 Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com
Find Albert on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph
Find Jacqueline on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jderojas/

Welcome to Episode 12 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, Neil highlights certain aspects which can help to shape a great leader in today's world.

Whilst many core principles remain the same, there are still multiple factors and it's important to move with the times on the ever-shifting sands of leadership.


Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Episode 11 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we celebrate our 1st anniversary of The Leadership Detectives with a look back on some of our favourite moments of the last year.

We also managed to record together, in person, for the very first time!

Thank you to everyone who has been a guest, contributed towards our journey in any way and, most importantly, to the listeners.


Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we share a wonderful interview with another incredible guest, Sophie Stanton. Sophie is the Chief Marketing Officer at IBM (Middle East and Africa).

"VUCA" stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
Sophie guides us through some of the core foundations of "VUCA" and why it can be so effective in the modern world of business.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Find Sophie Stanton on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiestanton/

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the concept of "failure".

"Failure" has become a dirty word in the world of leadership, and it has been subjected to a reframing of context.

Is it better to fail often? To aim high, even if you don't reach? And just because you fail, does that make you a failure?

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Hunter QGM, author, bomb disposal expert, and former British Army officer.

And when it comes to topics like fear of failure there are few better placed than Chris who has had to view failure as meaning someone losing their life.

We start by talking about why Chris joined the Military and the words that his father gave him on his death bed that shaped his life. Looking at leadership, we break down lessons he learned in the Military such as knowing what your boss is trying to achieve and having the ability to influence the greater good. Chris gives us invaluable insight on a great example of leadership that he’s had when advising on the 7/7 London bombings and on dealing with the fear of failure.

Connect with Chris Hunter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hunter-qgm-b474ab6a/

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com/

And Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we look back on some of our recent interviews in order to double down on some of the most salient points our guests have made.

We highlight the importance of authenticity and why it is becoming even more vital in the modern leadership world.

We also discuss why humility is crucial for a leader to inspire those around them, delving into why "being soft" is often much braver than the "old school" management styles we may have grown up with.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

In this episode, we’re joined by Jay Trestain, Global Offerings & Big Deal Leader at IBM iX.

She’s been with IBM for 15 years, however, this episode takes a look at how leaders can lead when they themselves are going through personal adversity.

Jay’s story is both humbling and an incredible story of success in the face of huge adversity as we get into how she’s battled the loss of her mother and her husband’s terminal diagnosis, while simultaneously leading teams.

Jay tells us about her experiences with vulnerability as a leader and how’s she’s faced it in the workplace herself, earning the right to be ‘emotionally open’, how she handled the job at hand when going through tough personal situations and how ‘life’ and little things that you don’t necessarily ask about or know about but impact how you turn up to work.

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-trestain/

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com/

And Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 5 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we highlight the importance of inspirational communication.

We look back on various speeches that have inspired us over the years, and analyse why they seem to connect on such a deep level.

We also discuss why communication is crucial for a leader to inspire those around them - whether it is on stage, in the realms of business, or day to day within their family life.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we share a wonderful interview with an incredible guest, Clyde Fernandez. Clyde is the Regional Vice President at Salesforce and is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Clyde talks openly about his own brand of leadership - one based on humanity and creating a safe space for true creativity to flourish.

He guides us through some of his own leadership inspirations and how they've influenced his own style; the importance of having to 'Learn, Unlearn and Relearn'; and why the autocratic style we grew up with must be adapted in order to survive.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

Find Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph
Find Clyde Fernandez on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clfernan/

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Leadership Detectives.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating a compelling vision. It frequently acts as an effective platform for moving forward in multiple areas of life.

There needs to be a direction for everyone to be able to easily identify with, and the key question is this: would you set off for a journey without knowing what direction you're going in?

We look at examples from successful companies and how they've managed to distill their vision into something digestible. We also talk about various ways one can create and adapt their vision, from conception to execution.

Find Neil online at: https://neilthubron.com

And Albert on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/albert-e-joseph