In this episode of The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes is joined by Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School and one of the world’s leading experts on judgment. Drawing from decades of research across business, government, medicine, and the military, Andrew breaks down what judgment really is: the combination of personal qualities, relevant knowledge, and lived experience applied to a particular decision.Together, they explore:· Why judgment is not the same as intelligence or expertise· The six components that shape every decision· How to spot (and avoid) bad judgment· The rising importance of human judgment in the age of AI· Practical ways leaders can develop and embed better judgment in their teamsWhether you're leading through uncertainty or navigating complex decisions, this episode offers essential insights into what makes judgment a critical (and trainable) human advantage.Referenced during this episode:‘Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices’ (A Likierman, 2025)Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)Social:Instagram @evolvingleaderLinkedIn The Evolving Leader PodcastTwitter @Evolving_LeaderBluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.socialYouTube @evolvingleaderThe Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.Send a message to The Evolving Leader team
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‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ with Guy Leschziner
“Sleep is intrinsic to every aspect of our waking life.” (Dr Guy Leschziner)In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Jean Gomes and Emma Sinclair delve into the biological roots of our most human behaviours with Professor Guy Leschziner, neurologist and author of The Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human. From the neuroscience behind gluttony, anger and pride to the unpredictable nature of envy and the myth of free will, Guy offers a powerful reframing of how biology shapes leadership, judgement, and motivation. He also shares essential sleep research and practical guidance that every leader should hear, particularly those running on too little rest and too much pressure.Whether you're leading through complexity or seeking to better understand the hidden forces that shape your thinking and responses, this conversation offers insight into how our brains construct reality and how leaders can respond with greater empathy, adaptability and presence. #Leadership #Neuroscience #GuyLeschziner #EvolvingLeader #SleepScience #CognitiveDiversity #AdaptiveLeadership #SevenDeadlySins #ExecutiveWellbeing #FreeWill #Motivation #Neurobiology #Empathy #DecisionMakingSend a message to The Evolving Leader team
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56:11
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56:11
'How Climate Change is Changing Us' with Clayton Aldern
As the world gets hotter, how is it changing our brains? In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Jean Gomes and Scott Allender are joined by neuroscientist and author Clayton Aldern to explore how environmental shifts (especially climate change) are quietly reshaping our minds, behaviours, and capacity for decision-making. Drawing from his acclaimed book The Weight of Nature, Clayton explains how heat, trauma, and ecological instability are influencing everything from memory and empathy to aggression and judgement.This isn’t just a conversation about climate change, it’s about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Jean, Scott, and Clayton dig into the science behind our evolving mental states and offer a compelling call to rethink our relationship with the environment, not just to save the planet, but to preserve our own mental wellbeing. This is a conversation every leader should hear.Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023) Social:Instagram @evolvingleaderLinkedIn The Evolving Leader PodcastTwitter @Evolving_LeaderBluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.socialYouTube @evolvingleader The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.Send a message to The Evolving Leader team
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1:02:56
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1:02:56
‘Why We Believe’ with Alister McGrath
In this episode of The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes and Scott Allender are joined by renowned philosopher and theologian Alister McGrath to explore one of the most timeless and urgent questions: Why do we believe? Drawing on insights from his new book, Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times, McGrath reflects on the nature of belief, the human need for meaning, and how our convictions shape who we are and how we lead.The conversation takes us from McGrath’s early journey through science and Marxism to his later embrace of faith, to the cultural forces shaping our beliefs today from post-truth politics to techno-optimism. The episode explores how leaders can navigate complexity and uncertainty with grounded beliefs, curiosity, and empathy without succumbing to dogma or paralysis.Whether you consider yourself a person of faith, reason, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to reflect more deeply on what sustains you and how those beliefs can help you thrive in a rapidly evolving world.Referenced during this episode:Why We Believe: Finding Meaning In Uncertain Times (McGrath, 2025)Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender: Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)Social:Instagram @evolvingleaderLinkedIn The Evolving Leader PodcastTwitter @Evolving_LeaderBluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.socialYouTube @evolvingleader The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.Send a message to The Evolving Leader team
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51:24
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51:24
‘Why Character Matters’ with Dr Edward Brooks
What if leadership isn’t just about performance, but about character? In this episode of The Evolving Leader, we’re joined by Dr. Ed Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project and co-editor of the new book The Arts of Leading. With hosts Jean Gomes and Emma Sinclair, Ed explores how cultivating human character, hope, courage, humility, and clarity, can provide the deep stability today’s leaders urgently need.We discuss the difference between optimism and hope, why virtues like kindness and creativity are underrated in leadership, and how the arts and humanities reveal untold stories of leadership that challenge traditional views. From Plato’s cave to the quiet leadership of community organisers, Ed shares how rethinking what (and who) we value in leadership can reshape organisations and ourselves.Referenced during this episode:Leading With CharacterOxford Character ProjectGood Leadership in UK Business ReportOther reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender:Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)Social:Instagram @evolvingleaderLinkedIn The Evolving Leader PodcastTwitter @Evolving_LeaderBluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.socialYouTube @evolvingleader The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.Send a message to The Evolving Leader team
Portugal