#354 Leading with Awareness: Thom Dennis Discusses Conscious Leadership

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” host Mehmet Gonullu welcomes leadership development expert Thom Dennis. With over 40 years of experience, Thom shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marines to becoming a pioneer in leadership development and the founder of Serenity in Leadership. Thom discusses the concept of conscious leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, understanding personal beliefs and values, and taking responsibility for one’s actions in today’s complex business world.

Thom elaborates on the challenges of cultural transformation within organizations, highlighting that effective change requires a long-term commitment of at least three years. He stresses the importance of consistent leadership to maintain cultural change initiatives and discusses how leadership behavior directly impacts organizational culture. Thom also shares insights into the differences in organizational culture across various sectors such as energy, banking, technology, and pharmaceuticals, and the impact of regional cultural nuances on leadership and organizational behavior.

The conversation delves into conflict resolution techniques, where Thom emphasizes the need for creating a safe space for open communication, establishing common objectives, and fostering mutual understanding. He provides practical examples of resolving high-stakes conflicts in multinational teams. Additionally, Thom discusses the key elements of successful strategic planning retreats and workshops, stressing the importance of thorough preparation, clear objectives, and follow-up to ensure productive outcomes.

Thom also addresses the societal trends affecting leadership today, including mental health, physical wellbeing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He reflects on the impact of the pandemic on work practices and employee expectations and the challenges of managing diverse and inclusive workplaces in different cultural contexts. For emerging leaders, Thom offers valuable advice on the importance of reflection, presence, building community, and leveraging the strength of diverse perspectives to adapt to societal changes and future challenges.

More about Thom:

Thom Dennis is well known for his expertise in creating transformational change and is a sought-after advisor on a spectrum of leadership, diversity, inclusion and justice issues. Over the last 30 years he has been a coach and confidant to executives of many organisations, facilitated pivotal meetings setting strategy, purpose and vision, and devised and led culture change programs bringing lasting value. He has developed the skills of senior management in leadership, conflict resolution, communication and customer service and enabled change in many corporations in the US, South America, Europe, Africa, India and the Far East.

Thom is the CEO of Serenity in Leadership Ltd, the premier culture remodelling, change and leadership specialists. He is an international speaker, voice over actor and Amazon #1 published author and has been featured on both BBC TV News and radio and as a thought leader in over 100 articles in industry leading publications in just the last year alone.

https://www.serenityinleadership.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomdennis

01:05 Thom Dennis: Leadership Journey

03:42 Conscious Leadership Explained

09:06 Challenges in Cultural Transformation

13:50 Sector and Regional Differences in Leadership

22:53 Conflict Resolution Techniques

27:34 Effective Strategic Planning Retreats

34:41 Societal Trends Impacting Leadership

40:55 Final Advice for Future Leaders

44:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information