MDA Insights

In this episode of MDA Insights, we’re joined by Andrew Larkin, leadership development expert at CIPD, whose career spans coaching, facilitation, and consultancy across change, resilience, and people management. With Andrew, we tackle a vital question for L&D and HR professionals: Can you really tell if leaders are changing—or are we just ticking boxes? Here’s what we dive into: Is leadership truly evolving, or is it the environment around it that’s shifting? How today’s leaders must respond to more connected, less compliant teams. The one skill every leader must develop—and how to know if they really have. Why traditional metrics like attendance and surveys just don’t cut it anymore. Can we rely on 360s and self-assessments—or are they just feel-good snapshots? Measuring the gap between learning about leadership and becoming a leader. Can behaviour really change? And how can L&D measure that change over time? The science (and art) of measuring soft skills like empathy and adaptability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building future-fit leadership—grounded in evidence, not assumptions. Join your hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein for another thought-provoking conversation filled with practical insights, sharp perspectives, and a touch of wit. 🎧 Listen now—because leadership development that can’t be measured, can’t be trusted. Hosted by the team at MDA Training, MDA Insights is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge conversations on leadership, learning, and the future of work. Hit play now. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

In this episode of MDA Insights, we’re joined by Simon McGoran, CEO of C-Level Impact, a seasoned expert in leadership and organisational development with over 20 years of global experience. With Simon, we dive deep into a critical question for modern leaders: Is clarity in leadership just a buzzword, or is it the true currency of success? Here’s what we explore: The true meaning of clarity in leadership—beyond the clichés. Executive agility: Why clarity + velocity is the winning formula. How leaders can balance clarity with flexibility, avoiding the trap of over-prescription. Strategic and cultural clarity—how to embed it in your organisation. Practical steps to ensure clear, transparent communication from the top down. This episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice for L&D and HR professionals looking to shape future-ready leadership programmes. Join your hosts  Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein, who bring their signature blend of insight, warmth, and wit to another eye-opening conversation. 🎧 Listen now—because in a world of constant change, clarity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

This time, we’re joined by Burak Koyuncu, Head of Leadership Development at LHH, and a globally recognised thought leader whose work has featured in Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Business Week, Financial Times, The Economist, and The Wall Street Journal. 🎙️ The Mindsets and Moves of Game-Changing Leaders In this episode, Burak dives deep into what separates the average from the exceptional in today’s leadership landscape. With a blend of academic rigour and real-world insight, he helps us explore what it truly takes to lead with impact in a world defined by constant change. We explore: Transactional vs transformational leadership—what’s the difference, and which matters most today? The DNA of a transformational leader—can anyone develop it, and how? Must-have mindsets and skillsets for leaders who want to shape the future Behaviour change in leadership development—how do we move from learning to lasting impact? The link between team development and transformational leadership Three practical tips for L&D and HR teams building tomorrow’s leadership programmes This one’s packed with insight, challenge, and inspiration for anyone serious about building leadership that lasts. And as always, your hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein bring their signature blend of insight, warmth, and wit to every moment. 🎧 Listen now—because the leaders we need tomorrow are shaped by the questions we ask today. Hosted by the expert team at MDA Training, MDA Insights is your go-to podcast for powerful conversations on leadership, learning, and career development. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

This time, we’re joined by Paul Potts, a leadership and wellbeing specialist with a wealth of experience—formerly Head of Leadership at Maria Mallaband Care Group, and now Founder of Chevin Creative Learning. 🎙️ Compassionate Leadership – Beyond the Tick Box Paul’s spent years developing leaders in care, where empathy isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. In this episode, he helps us unpack what compassionate leadership really means when things get tough. We dive into: Going beyond the buzzword—what compassion looks like in practice Whether any leader can learn to lead with heart How compassion fits when tough decisions need to be made Gen Z and their expectations of leadership The role of experiential learning in developing real compassion This one’s honest, eye-opening, and refreshingly real. And of course, your hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein bring the warmth, wit, and curveballs as always. 🎧 Tune in now—because leadership isn’t a title, it’s a way of being. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

This one’s a real eye-opener. We sat down with Carl Akintola-Davies, Head of Leadership Development at Phoenix Group, to talk about something that gets thrown around a lot... but rarely unpacked properly: What’s the actual difference between a leader and a manager? Here’s a line from Carl that really stopped us in our tracks: “Managers are appointed by those above them. Leaders are chosen by those around them.” Let that sink in. In this episode, we’re getting honest about: Why we tend to romanticise leaders and demonise managers The real science behind what makes someone worth following How leadership isn’t about being ‘the chosen one’—it’s about belonging, trust, and identity Carl shares a refreshingly grounded (and research-backed!) view on how leadership actually works—and why developing good leaders has less to do with job titles and more to do with how people feel around you. Whether you’re new to leading a team, supporting managers through L&D, or just curious about how influence really works in a modern workplace—this one’s full of gold. And as always, your hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein bring the warmth, the wit, and the occasional curveball question. 🎧 Give it a listen—it’s one of those episodes that sticks with you. MDA Insights—powered by the team at MDA Training, helping people grow through real-world learning. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

Join us for a powerful conversation with Delme Thompson, Head of Global Events & Audience Development at CFA, as we unpack one of the toughest—and most transformative—skills in leadership: mastering difficult conversations. Let’s face it: every leader will face moments where they need to have the hard talk. But what separates good leaders from great ones is how they approach those moments. How do you stand firm with integrity while staying open, human, and constructive? Delme shares how resilience, emotional maturity, and psychological safety go hand-in-hand when navigating conflict—and why embracing discomfort is actually a superpower. In this episode, we dig into the art of turning tension into trust, awkwardness into alignment, and conflict into clarity. Whether you're initiating a tough conversation or receiving unexpected feedback, Delme offers practical strategies you can use right now—from fostering open dialogue to reframing challenges as catalysts for growth. And for the L&D and HR professionals out there? You’ll walk away with 3 actionable tips to help your people build confidence, compassion, and clarity when the stakes are high. So—why do we avoid difficult conversations? What’s really going on beneath the surface? And how can we train our teams to move through conflict rather than around it? This episode is raw, real, and full of insights. Join hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein as they explore what it really means to lead when it’s hardest—and how those moments can define your impact. Brought to you by MDA Training, this is MDA Insights—your go-to podcast for game-changing learning, early career trends, and leadership development that actually works. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

Season 2, Episode 1 is HERE! Join us for an exciting conversation with Samantha De Alba, Talent Acquisition expert at Schroders, as we dive into the real challenges of building great teams and developing strong leaders. The old days of just picking the smartest people and hoping it works are over—so why doesn’t that strategy cut it anymore? Did it ever? We’re also tackling the changing workplace: How do we adapt to a world where emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication are crucial? Samantha shares her insights on why soft skills are now the secret to high-performing teams. Can improving interpersonal skills really change behavior? Absolutely—and we’ll show you how! Samantha shares 3 transformative tips for L&D teams to help develop the emotional intelligence, resilience, and EQ necessary to prepare today’s talent for the workplace of tomorrow. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein. It’s time to rethink how we build teams and lead in a world that’s constantly changing! Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

Episode 21 welcomes Ilya Shvetsov, Chief Human Resources Officer of Neon Labs - pioneering parallelised EVM, to explore the groundbreaking concept of bite-size learning. Discover how this innovative approach is reshaping professional development and making learning more accessible and effective than ever, the key benefits of micro-learning for employees, hear success stories straight from the forefront of innovation, and learn how to integrate bite-size learning with other developmental initiatives for maximum impact. Join hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein for a captivating discussion on the transformative power of micro-learning in today's dynamic workplace. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!

Episode 20 of MDA Insight Podcast is here to take you on a transformative journey! 🌟 Join the charismatic hosts, Oz Hussein and Paul Hewett from MDA Training, as they continue their riveting conversation with Bhavna Dalal - a best-selling author, coach, and TEDx sensation boasting an impressive 25+ years of expertise. In this segment labeled "Leadership skill: How to build trust and influence others? (Part 2)" Bhavna Dalal shares profound insights, effective strategies, and real-life narratives to enrich your ability to influence and lead. 🚀 Absorb the wisdom needed to master the subtle art of influencing others and amplifying your leadership skills. This episode promises an illuminating masterclass in leadership, elevating your understanding of influence to subtle yet impactful heights

🎙️ Episode 19 is a game-changer! We've got the incredible Bhavna Dalal on board - bestselling author, coach, and TEDx sensation with a whopping 25+ years of expertise under her belt. Today, we're unravelling the magic of leadership in "Part 1: Mastering the Art of Influencing Others." Hosted by the dynamic duo, Oz and Paul from MDA Training, this episode promises a masterclass in leadership like never before. Stay tuned and get ready to supercharge your influence skills! 🚀🗣️

🎙️ Back and better than ever! Episode 18 is here and we've got Razan Kilani back on the mic! 🎉 Razan is certified by the International Coach Federation and a master of Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence, and is joining us once again. Hold onto your headphones as Oz and Paul from MDA Training tag-team to tackle The Money Dilemma: Does cold, hard cash truly reign supreme in the motivation game? 💰 Get comfy – we're cracking open this age-old chestnut. But wait, there's more! We're also mapping out unexplored territories – think thriving under pressure and turbocharging team synergy. The excitement's off the charts, and Episode 18 is your VIP pass. 🚀

Join us bi-monthly on MDA Insights as we delve into the world of training and development, offering the latest insights, expert advice, and thought-provoking discussions. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is your ultimate resource for enhancing your skills and unlocking your full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning, we've got you covered! Episode 17 of MDA Insights features our esteemed guest Robert Rubinstein, founder of the Tbli Group.  With unparalleled expertise in ESG and Impact Investing, Robert has influenced over 50 trillion dollars in assets and directed nearly 1.3 trillion in investments. Join the dynamic duo of Oz and Paul from MDA Training as they continue the conversation on "Future-Proofing Your L&D Strategy: ESG as the North Star for Success - Part 2". Discover the prescience and criticality of ESG, and how HR and L&D teams can take immediate action for a sustainable future. Don't miss this awe-inspiring episode! 🚀

"In our latest project, we made a profound discovery: Many groundbreaking innovations and progress in organisations come from individuals who constantly learn skills beyond their current job requirements. Embracing continuous learning, even in unrelated areas, sparks a remarkable surge of creativity and ingenuity." Welcome to MDA Insights, hosted by the dynamic duo of Oz and Paul from MDA Training. In our electrifying 16th episode, we're back with Part 2 of "Creating disciplined, autonomous, proactive, and committed professionals."  We are thrilled to have David Abashidze, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in banking and investments, as our special guest once again. Having made significant contributions in Georgie and London, including his role as CRO at Georgia's third-largest bank. Together, we'll explore how embracing constant learning of new skills can drive innovation and progress within organisations. 

🎙️ Embark on a transformative journey with us, as we unveil the secrets to professional growth and reaching your true potential. Welcome to MDA Insights, hosted by the dynamic duo of Oz and Paul from MDA Training. Brace yourself for the latest insights, expert advice, and mind-stirring discussions on training and development. This podcast is your gateway to unlocking unprecedented success. Tune in now and immerse yourself in the captivating world of top-level professional habits in Part 1 of our groundbreaking series. In our 15th episode, we're thrilled to have David Abashidze as our special guest! With nearly 20 years of experience in banking and investments, including significant roles in Georgia and London, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As the former CRO of Georgia's third-largest bank, he's an expert in developing top-level professional habits. Together, we'll explore what it means to be self-disciplined, autonomous, proactive, and continuously committed to self-development in our everyday activities.  Don't miss out on this empowering conversation! Join us on MDA Insights and discover how these professional habits can elevate your career. 

Welcome to MDA Insights, your gateway to a world of endless possibilities for professional advancement. In this global podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo of Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein, Directors at MDA Training, we delve into the ever-evolving realm of training and development.  In our captivating 14th episode, we turn the spotlight on the fascinating intersection of training and development with ESG and Impact Investing. Join us as we sit down with the visionary social entrepreneur, Robert Rubinstein, founder of the Tbli (Triple Bottom Line Investing Group). With an awe-inspiring track record of influencing over 50 trillion dollars in assets and directing nearly 1.3 trillion in investments, Robert brings unparalleled expertise to the discussion. Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation that explores the transformative power of training and development in driving sustainable change and making a lasting impact. 

🎙️ Tune in to the 13th installment of MDA Insights, where we delve deeper into the realm of training and development, offering cutting-edge knowledge, expert guidance, and thought-provoking conversations. The dynamic team at MDA Training will be your hosts, dedicated to empowering professionals and helping them unleash their full potential.  🌟 In this second part of MDA Insights, we continue our discussion with Sabrina Breher, Global Business Partner at the Center for Creative Leadership- CCL. With a remarkable presence spanning over 50 years and 160 countries. Join hosts Paul and Oz as they explore 'Leadership: Essential Skills and Competencies - Part 2,' where they share valuable insights on developing leadership programs that are future-ready, the role of technology in facilitating training, and how simulation-based training is revolutionising corporate leadership. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with our guest!

Welcome back to MDA Insights, your go-to podcast for training and development. Join us as we dive deep into the world of professional growth, delivering the latest insights, expert advice, and captivating discussions. Hosted by Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein, Directors at MDA Training, this podcast is designed to help you enhance your skills and unleash your full potential. Get ready for an electrifying conversation in our 12th episode as we welcome Razan Kilani, a certified International Coach Federation expert and Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence specialist. In Part 1 of "Addressing Employee Motivation Challenges: Tips and Strategies for HR Leaders", we delve into the secrets of long-term employee motivation. Discover powerful strategies that extend beyond financial rewards, unravel the true potential of coaching, and explore the unexpected relationship between monetary benefits and employee engagement. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we unveil the missing piece of the ESG puzzle and examine whether we have the right balance in Environmental, Social, and Governance practices. 

🎙️ Join us for the 11th episode of MDA Insights, where we unravel the realm of training and development, delivering cutting-edge insights, expert advice, and thought-provoking discussions. The dynamic team at MDA Training, your hosts, are committed to empowering professionals, helping them unlock their true potential. From emerging career trends to innovative game-based learning, MDA Insights covers it all.  🌟 In this episode of MDA Insights, we're joined by Sabrina Breher, Global Business Partner at Center for Creative Leadership- CCL. With over 50 years of experience across 160 countries, CCL has impacted millions of leaders worldwide. Join hosts Paul and Oz as they discuss 'Leadership: Essential Skills and Competencies' addressing the challenges faced by leaders today, the need for new skills in remote/hybrid team management, the importance of diverse talent in leadership development, the potential for behavior change, and three valuable tips for creating future-ready leadership programs. Tune in for an enlightening conversation!

Discover the world of training and development with MDA Insights, the global podcast that brings you the latest insights, expert advice, and thought-provoking discussions. Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. In this week's episode, Oz Hussein and Paul Hewitt are joined by Rahul Bhargava, finance trainer and MD at Square Mile Training. As an experienced investment banker and charterholder in CFA, FRM, CAIA, and CFM, Rahul brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Tune in as they discuss essential skills for investment banking, trends in training programs, the flipped classroom approach, and the impact of technology on investment banking. Tune in now to hear from industry experts and stay on top of the latest trends and best practices in the world of training and development

🎧 Looking for a podcast that will take your professional skills to the next level? Look no further than MDA Insights! Our bi-monthly show is your go-to source for the latest trends, expert advice, and in-depth discussions on all things training and development. 👥 This week, we're thrilled to have industry expert Wais Achikzad on the show. With over 15 years of experience at top firms like Moran Stanley and JP Morgan Chase, Wais is now the co-founder of Xen Culture Solutions, where he helps businesses navigate the complex world of organizational culture. Join MDA Training directors Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein as they delve into Part 2 of their conversation with Wais, where they uncover the secrets of Wall Street culture and explore the future of work