
Episodes

3 days ago
167: The Leadership Time Illusion
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode, Kul challenges the modern obsession with busyness and explores the illusion that great leadership is about doing more. Drawing on neuroscience, leadership research, and real-world examples, he reveals how constant meetings, decision fatigue, and reactive working undermine clarity and effectiveness. He argues that the most impactful leaders create space to think, reflect, and build meaningful relationships. Tune in to discover why slowing down, protecting thinking time, and leading with intention may be the most powerful leadership skills of all.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday May 12, 2026
166: The Trust Equation - Why Trust Is the Ultimate Leadership Advantage
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
In this episode, explore why trust is the true foundation of effective leadership. Drawing on the Trust Equation, Kul breaks down the key elements - credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation - and how they shape trustworthiness. With real-world examples, data, and practical insights, discover how trust is built, how it’s lost, and why it drives engagement, performance, and meaningful relationships at work.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday May 05, 2026
165: The Slow Death of Courage in Organisations
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
In this episode, Kul explores how courage quietly fades within organisations - and why its loss is so dangerous. He examines how fear, defensiveness, and hierarchy can suppress honesty, leading to silence, poor decisions, and missed risks. Drawing on powerful real-world examples, Kul highlights the critical role of psychological safety and leadership behaviour in sustaining a culture of truth. Tune in to discover why courageous conversations aren’t optional - they’re essential for learning, resilience, and long-term success.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
164: The Loneliness of Being the Only Honest Voice in the Room
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
In this episode, Kul explores the loneliness of being the only honest voice in the room. He examines why leaders often stay silent despite doubts - driven by hierarchy, belonging, and social pressure - and how this silence can lead to poor decisions. Drawing on real-world examples and psychological insights, Kul highlights the power of courageous questions and honest challenge.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
163: Why Leadership Teams Become Echo Chambers
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
In this episode, Kul explores why leadership teams can gradually become echo chambers - where ideas are reinforced rather than challenged. He unpacks how success, hierarchy, and the “politeness trap” can suppress dissent and fuel confirmation bias. Drawing on real-world examples like Kodak and Theranos, Kul highlights the risks of unchecked alignment and the importance of psychological safety.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
162: When Loyalty Becomes Dangerous in Leadership Teams
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
In this episode, Kul explores how loyalty within leadership teams can quietly become dangerous. While loyalty is often celebrated, he reveals how it can suppress honesty, fuel groupthink, and lead to poor decision-making when it replaces truth. Through powerful examples and insights, Kul highlights the importance of psychological safety, courage, and constructive challenge.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
161: How Do You Show Up When The Fear is Real? : Maria James
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
In this episode, Kul is joined by Maria James, founder of Trust by Design, to explore how trust is built - and broken - under pressure. Drawing on experiences from the military, corporate leadership, and transformation programmes, Maria shares powerful insights on emotional intelligence, courage, and “radical visibility.” Together, they unpack why leadership behaviour matters most in moments of uncertainty, and how human-centred leadership creates trust, resilience, and performance when it’s needed most.
Connect with Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaejames/
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.

Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
160: The Leadership Illusion - Why Smart Leaders Still Make Terrible Decisions
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
In this episode, Kul explores why even highly intelligent leaders can make poor decisions. From overconfidence bias to groupthink, he uncovers how success can blind leaders to risk and silence dissenting voices. Using real-world examples, he highlights the importance of cognitive diversity, psychological safety, and intellectual humility.
Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people.
_____________________________
ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES
During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams.
It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated.
Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.
