Being a leader isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making the right decisions when it matters most. Whether you’re leading a team of one, ten, or thousands, the way you lead determines whether you and your team thrive.

Today, we’re tackling challenges every leader might face at some point: Toxic Scenarios. My guest, Megan Smith, is the Head of Human Resources for SAP North America, where she helps guide a workforce of over 20,000 employees. She knows how toxic behaviours—whether it’s poor communication, distrust, or ineffective leadership—can derail teams and organizations.

In this episode, Megan breaks down three common toxic leadership scenarios, why they happen, and most importantly, how to fix them. If you’ve ever asked yourself, how can I do better? this conversation is for you.

Let’s dive in.

Welcome to another episode of For Leaders By Leaders, I’m thrilled to be joined by David Barrett, a visionary in internal communications and multimedia, who has spent nearly two decades at the World Health Organization, currently serving as the Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

David’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a career that started in television production and evolved into crafting engaging internal communications, he’s a master at connecting people with purpose. He draws from a unique blend of experiences, including his lifelong passion for theatre as an actor, director, and producer. For David, leadership is not about a solo performance; it’s about rallying a team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring everyone plays their part in creating something extraordinary.

In this episode, David shares insights on how he inspired others through the challenging times of COVID-19, how his theatrical background shapes his leadership philosophy, and his passion for making information accessible and engaging within an organization as impactful as the WHO. His story will resonate with leaders looking to motivate teams, navigate crises, and build a shared vision that truly sings.

In this episode, we deep dive into the world of performance culture with Dr. Oliver Finlay. With over 23 years of experience as a performance director, coach, and physiotherapist, Dr. Finlay has collaborated with some of the most elite sports organizations in the world—including the English Premier League, National Hockey League (NHL), Formula 1, and Team GB Athletics. His career spans a wide variety of sports, from soccer and basketball to motorsport and rugby, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in high-performance environments.

Dr. Finlay is also the founder of Beautiful Game Group, a modern sports investment company focused on driving growth and long-term success in professional sports organizations.

But this isn’t just about sports. Drawing from his impressive career and PhD research at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Finlay unpacks lessons that apply to any organization aiming for sustained success. From understanding the markers of high performance to managing change, creating a culture of excellence, and overcoming plateaus, his insights are invaluable for leaders across all fields.

Tune in to learn how to apply the principles of high-performance sports to your organization, unlock potential, and build a winning culture that thrives in any arena.