Conversations with Chris

#7 Leadership in Lockdown 3.0 - a conversation with Mark Topley

January 14, 2021 Chris Barrow Season 1 Episode 7
Conversations with Chris
#7 Leadership in Lockdown 3.0 - a conversation with Mark Topley
Show Notes

I make no apology for saying that, if you don’t listen to this podcast in the next 12 weeks, then don’t bother at all.

That’s because I wanted to talk to one of my best mates (and an expert on leadership) about how to deal with the situation we find ourselves in TODAY.

In December, there was a short-lived sense of hope generated by the delivery of the first vaccines and the anticipation of some Christmas cheer.

Soon enough we were slapped down by restrictions on our holiday activities and then, just when we thought we were seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, along comes lockdown 3.0 and a daily diet of gloomy news.

It has hit many people hard - including patients, team members and owners (even me!

So I wanted to talk to Mark about his advice on how to keep your own chin up and how to continue to lead and inspire those around you.

In this candid conversation, recorded on 13th January, Mark and I explore:

  • What The Stockdale Paradox tells us about the winners and losers in tough times;
  • How to show up as a leader every day;
  • How best to communicate with your team and patients right now;
  • The power of storytelling in leadership;
  • Delivering on empathy, authority and planning;
  • Tips on keeping your mental health intact.


Mark has the ability to take these thorny issues and offer simple and instantly executable tactics.

Both you and your managers will gain from listening to his wisdom and experience.