The extra-Ordinary Leader with Dolly Waddell
The extra-Ordinary Leader is a show that takes a collaborative approach to uncover what it means to be a leader in the 21st century.
Through a series of open and honest conversations with a selection of top business leaders and leadership coaches, Dolly Waddell takes us on a journey to unravel the complex world of leadership in the 21st century.
The extra-Ordinary Leader with Dolly Waddell
S3 10: Legacy and Craft: Walpole's Helen Brocklebank on the Mindset of extra-Ordinary Leadership
In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole—the official body for British luxury. Helen works closely with over 250 of the UK’s most iconic high-end brands, and in our conversation, she shares the leadership behaviours, values, and mindset that make these businesses so resilient and remarkable.
We explored what we can all borrow from the luxury sector—whether we’re running heritage businesses or leading fast-paced teams with no historical playbook. Helen spoke beautifully about creativity, long-term thinking, emotional intelligence, and the importance of knowing your own strengths. She also reminded me why storytelling, craftsmanship, and deep human connection remain at the heart of excellent leadership.
You’ll hear us reflect on everything from scented candles and bespoke tailoring to the power of fiction and the role of culture in the workplace. Whether you lead a team of two or two thousand, this episode is full of insights to help you lead with clarity, creativity and care.
Inside This Episode:
- What working with 250 luxury CEOs has taught Helen about extra-Ordinary leadership
- Why understanding your own strengths is the foundation of influence
- The long-term mindset behind British luxury’s £81 billion impact
- Why fiction (yes, even Jilly Cooper!) can sharpen your leadership instincts
- How resilience, creativity, and curiosity define high-performance leadership
- What leaders in fast fashion and retail can borrow from heritage brands
- The value of “dual thinking”: acting in the now while planning for the next
- How memory-making and sensory detail create unforgettable customer experiences
- Why culture-building and empowerment matter more than ever
Mentions & Links:
- Walpole – https://www.thewalpole.co.uk
- Learn more about Attachment Theory – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337
- Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Box-Thinking-Surprising-Success/dp/1473613779