Best Conn Williams Podcasts (2025)

1
Business Series Ep 6: Ann Kelleher | The Emotional Bank Account & The Road Less Travelled 56:41

Play Pause

22d ago56:41

56:41

With decades of leadership in technology and innovation, Ann Kelleher shares practical strategies for navigating challenging environments, leveraging culture, and building lasting impact whether in global organisations or local communities. From lessons learned growing up on a farm in County Cork to turning around high-stakes operations at Intel, A…

1
Business Series Ep 5: John Gilley | Building Cultures Where People and Performance Thrive 54:35

1M ago54:35

54:35

Stephen McDonnell sits down with John Gilley, CEO of Kent, for a raw and inspiring look at leadership and building a culture that scales. From his roots in Cobh, County Cork, to leading billion-dollar projects across Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, John reflects on how Irish values, family influence, and a relentless drive for growth shaped his journey…

1
Business Series Ep 4: Noella Gabriel | Uncompromising Standards with Instinct, Creativity and Heart 1:01:51

1M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Noella Gabriel, co-founder and Global President of ELEMIS, shares how vision and resilience built a world-leading skincare brand. From West Cork to the world stage, Noella Gabriel’s journey is one of grit and vision. As co-founder and Global President of ELEMIS, she reveals how gut-led decisions, empowered teams and an uncompromising focus on quali…

1
Business Series Ep 3: Tommy Kelly | Values-Based Leadership, Global Impact & Building Businesses That Endure 1:07:03

2M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Renowned entrepreneur and business leader Tommy Kelly shares how he built a billion-dollar company, created high-performance cultures and led change. From his roots as a farmer to scaling global logistics and e-commerce giants, Tommy brings a wealth of experience in strategy and leadership. In this episode, Tommy delves into what it takes to create…

1
Business Series Ep 2: Lorna Conn | Values-Driven Leadership in a Changing World 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

As CEO of one of Ireland’s biggest private employers, Cpl, Lorna Conn takes us inside her journey, from early ambitions and formative experiences to leading a global organisation through radical transformation. She shares candid lessons on resilience and the power of authenticity, giving listeners practical strategies to navigate uncertainty, drive…

1
Business Series Ep 1: Dave Kirwan | Leadership That Unites Performance and Humanity 1:14:26

2M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

With over 30 years of navigating the toughest energy transitions, Dave Kirwan has seen what leadership really takes. In this episode, he strips back the boardroom façade to reveal the human side of leading: how personal values, vulnerability and courage intersect with business decisions. We go deep on servant leadership, mastering emotional intelli…

1
#48: Rita McGrath | Seeing Around Corners: Leading Through Uncertainty 48:34

3M ago48:34

48:34

1
Unbound Tool #16: The Deeper Meaning Behind the All Blacks Haka with Kieran Read 3:50

3M ago3:50

3:50

Rituals rooted in culture unite and empower teams at every level. For fans fascinated by the haka, Kieran Read, a former Crusaders and All Blacks captain, gives an inside look at its meaning, not as intimidation, but as a way of drawing on heritage, connecting with teammates, and honouring those who went before. He explains how respect and practice…

1
#47: Andrea Garfield | From Burnout to Regenerative Leadership 51:25

3M ago51:25

51:25

Executive coach Andrea Garfield shows how leaders unlock resilience and impact by addressing root causes, not quick fixes. A pioneer in integral coaching and founder of Awesome Institute, Andrea blends decades of entrepreneurial grit, somatic wisdom and science-backed process to help high-performers, CEOs and C-suite execs become more fully themsel…

1
Unbound Tool #15: The Observer Mind with William Trubridge 5:58

3M ago5:58

5:58

In freediving, anxiety can be the difference between breakthrough and blackout. As a 7x World Champion freediver, William Trubridge learnt how to train his mind to remain calm and present, using practised breathing and ‘Observer Mind’ techniques that we can all embrace. This applies well beyond sport, especially in high-stakes leadership and everyd…

1
#46: Matthias Herter | Loss, Leadership, and the Art of Crisis Negotiation 1:17:24

4M ago1:17:24

1:17:24

With over two decades of negotiation experience, including multinational hostage crises and police operations, Matthias Herter shares the power of communication, team dynamics, and inner strength. He candidly discusses lessons from both triumphs and setbacks, showing how doubt and insecurity can fuel performance and growth. Discover the key skills …

1
Unbound Tool #14: Winning with Mindset, Not Just Skill with Niall Horgan 2:23

4M ago2:23

2:23

Former Gym+Coffee CEO Niall Horgan sits down with Stephen McDonnell to explore the growing importance of mental toughness in sports. Niall shares his insights on how early mental coaching helps young athletes build resilience and teamwork. Tune in to hear how these lessons, learned on the field, have shaped their leadership journeys and why focusin…

1
#45: Michael Watkins | Navigating Leadership and Identity in a Disrupted World 48:03

5M ago48:03

48:03

IMD Professor and author of The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins, joins the show to break down what most leaders get wrong during transitions and how to turn change into growth. Learn about his hard-earned lessons on managing identity in upheaval, leading under pressure, and navigating the rise of AI and rapid disruption. We unpack key insights from …

1
Unbound Tool #13: The Person Effect – Leading Through Connection, Not Control with George Kohlrieser 2:11

5M ago2:11

2:11

Hostage negotiator, clinical psychologist, and leadership expert, George Kohlrieser, explains the ‘Person Effect’, the emotional impact we have on others through our presence, mostly communicated non-verbally. Some people naturally inspire trust, while others create distance. Find out how effective leadership goes beyond rapport to true emotional b…

1
#44: All-Ireland Preview | Tipp, Cork, and the Final Showdown 45:48

5M ago45:48

45:48

In this special episode of Unbound, hurling champions Noel Conners (former Waterford captain) and John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer (Tipperary All-Star) join host Stephen McDonnell (former Cork Captain) as they gear up for this weekend’s All-Ireland senior hurling final. Tune in as they unpack Cork’s explosive form, Tipp’s hunger for an upset, and what it tak…

1
#43: Eline Meijer | How to Lead With What Makes You Strong 51:28

6M ago51:28

51:28

Strengths-based leadership specialist Eline Meijer unpacks how to move beyond "weakness fixing" and use your strengths for ultimate growth. Eline draws on her decade of experience with CliftonStrengths and her background in psychology to demystify how we can thrive by identifying, understanding, and leading with our natural abilities. She reveals w…

1
Unbound Tool #12 How to Show Up When You Don't Feel Like It with Eímear Noone 3:29

7M ago3:29

3:29

How do you push through your toughest days when the pressure is on and it feels like everything is going wrong? Eímear Noone, Irish composer and conductor, shares her approach to overcoming personal challenges while maintaining a high level of performance on stage. She reveals the mindset shift that helps her show up for others, even when she's not…

1
#42: Alex Hutchinson | Seeking the Unknown 52:18

8M ago52:18

52:18

Science journalist Alex Hutchinson explores risk, reinvention, and what drives us to seek the unknown – in sport, life, and beyond. With a rare mix of elite athletic experience and academic insight, Alex unpacks what drives high performers to grow, adapt, and keep going, especially when the path ahead isn’t clear. Whether you’re an athlete, a leade…

1
Unbound Tool #11 Fighting Disease Through Visualisation with Patrick Sweeney 4:18

8M ago4:18

4:18

In this Unbound Tool, best-selling author and entrepreneur Patrick Sweeney shares his journey of battling a rare form of leukaemia, using mental performance techniques from the Olympic Training Centre. As doctors collaborated with a Penn State expert, Patrick harnessed visualisation to strengthen his mind and body, picturing his cells as warriors f…

1
#41: Karen Eber | How to Influence & Inspire Through Storytelling 52:07

9M ago52:07

52:07

Karen Eber breaks down the science of storytelling and why it’s the secret weapon for influence, connection, and driving real change. Karen shares how the right story can shape teams, inspire action, and build stronger relationships. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or just want to communicate more effectively, this conversation i…

1
Unbound Tool #10 The Mental Cost of Constant Virtual Connectivity with Sarah McKay 6:15

9M ago6:15

6:15

What happens when technology takes the place of real-world interactions? In this Unbound Tool, Sarah McKay reveals the impact of digital life on our well-being, touching on everything from social media addiction to the loss of authentic communication. As our reliance on virtual connections grows, Sarah warns of the mental health consequences and th…

1
Unbound Tool #9 How to Create and Maintain Powerful Connections with Jordan Harbinger 3:26

9M ago3:26

3:26

What if you could build a network based on trust and mutual respect, without ever asking for anything in return? Jordan Harbinger breaks down the art of relationship-building in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Tune in to learn how you can use these techniques in your own life to cultivate deeper connections and open doors you didn’t ev…

1
#40: Robin Dunbar | The Science of Human Connection and Evolution 1:09:38

10M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Robin Dunbar, a renowned anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist, delves into human connection and the evolution of social structures. He is widely known for devising "Dunbar’s Number," which explores how early life in culturally diverse environments shaped his understanding of the social complexities in monkeys, apes, and humans. From his gro…

1
Unbound Tool #8 123 Days Alone: Finding Joy in the Struggle 4:50

11M ago4:50

4:50

In this Unbound Tool, we explore the profound power of inner dialogue and how it shapes our mental and emotional well-being. Woniya Thibeault shares her unique experience of spending months in complete solitude, confronting the thoughts and stories that surfaced in her mind. Tune in to discover how small wins, rituals, and intentional positivity ca…

1
#39: Marc Brackett | Harnessing Emotional Intelligence in Life and Leadership 55:52

11M ago55:52

55:52

Marc Brackett discusses the impact of negativity bias, extroversion vs. introversion, and the key role of emotional intelligence in leadership. He dives deep into the effects of social comparison on mental health, advocating for self-compassion and empathy to tackle these emotional challenges. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Mar…

1
Unbound Tool #7 Mastering the “Five Mountains” in 2025 with Mark Divine 6:00

12M ago6:00

6:00

Mark Divine, former Navy SEAL commander, reveals how mastering physical, mental, emotional, intuitional, and spiritual aspects, which make up the "Five Mountains", can lead to extraordinary resilience and self-mastery. Mark’s insights have reshaped the way many perceive personal transformation and leadership. Check the full episode here: https://ww…

1
Unbound Tool #6 Harvest your learnings from 2024 with Rupal Patel 3:31

12M ago3:31

3:31

Rupal Patel, a former CIA intelligence analyst, has developed an annual tradition called the "Capture Your Year" exercise. This method helps to recognise unacknowledged achievements and identify areas for improvement. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of sharing these insights with others for mutual growth and reinforcement. Make sure to listen in…

1
#38: Dr. Alia Bojilova | Increase your Resilience with former SAS Psychologist 50:52

1y ago50:52

50:52

Dr. Alia Bojilova, former special forces psychologist and resilience expert, unpacks human behaviour and psychological resilience. Discover how Dr. Alia Bojilova uses psychological profiling, micro observations, and interviews to predict individuals' capabilities and how she’s redefining resilience through her book ‘The Resilience Toolkit’. Join us…

1
Unbound Tool #5 Rebuilding from Rock Bottom with Megan Henry 6:04

1y ago6:04

6:04

Megan Henry is a lifelong athlete playing two Division 1 sports, field hockey and track, who faced an unexpected health crisis that abruptly ended her competitive career. She shares her journey through isolation, depression, and identity loss and how she built mental resilience and used visualisation and routine to get through the darkest days. Whe…

1
#37: Dr. Sarah Sarkis | Curiosity as a Catalyst for Growth 1:03:54

1y ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Dr. Sarah Sarkis, a clinical psychologist and high-performance coach, dives into her journey of relentless curiosity and its transformative power. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Sarkis shares a memorable childhood experience that sparked her lifelong intrigue with psychology and how curiosity has become her primary strength. She shares how to use curio…

1
Unbound Tool #4 Overcoming Fear with Damian Browne 3:41

1y ago3:41

3:41

In facing immense challenges, Damian Browne teaches us to be aware of ourselves and get out of the victim mentality. Tune into this week’s Unbound Tool to discover how to starve fear and feed courage. Check the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSjHus7MpoMBy Stephen McDonnell

1
#36: Chris Voss | Good Things Happen When You Run To Trouble 56:55

1y ago56:55

56:55

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, unpacks high-stakes hostage negotiations and effective communication strategies in life and leadership. Chris has taught negotiation courses at Harvard and Georgetown Universities and is the author of “Never Split the Difference”. Chris explains how to use empathy, specific key questions, proactive liste…

1
Unbound Tool #3 Design Conditions that Drive Team Performance with Ruth Wageman 4:51

1y ago4:51

4:51

Ruth Wageman is among the foremost scholars and practitioners studying and working with teams, especially leadership teams. In this clip, we share the three essential conditions for team effectiveness, drawing on research and practical examples from diverse fields including healthcare, aviation, and emergency services. Check the full episode here: …

1
#35: Tim Fletcher | Redefining Connection, Trauma and Healing 55:23

1y ago55:23

55:23

A pioneer in the addictions and mental health treatment profession, Tim Fletcher delves into the journey of trauma, healing and self-discovery. We'll unpack “Big T" and "Little t" traumas, the power of feeling inherently valued, generational trauma, and discuss the importance of authentic connection, both with ourselves and others. Whether you're d…

1
Unbound Tool #2 Lessons from a CIA Agent: The Best Way to Lead with Rupal Patel 7:11

1y ago7:11

7:11

As a CIA officer, Rupal's job was to analyse intelligence and brief high-level officials, from Presidents to generals. It taught her the power of communicating complex information to a whole range of audiences. Tune in to this clip, as Rupal shares why it’s not about having all the answers but seeking them out and how to be direct with others about…

1
S3 E9 Guest: actor/activist Amiée Conn 52:29

1y ago52:29

52:29

Recorded Sep 19, 2024. On this episode of the Bill Alexander Show, Bill talks with actor/activist Amiée Conn about the 2024 election and society.

1
S3 E8 Guest: Savannah Hauk 51:23

1y ago51:23

51:23

Recorded Aug 10, 2024. On this episode of the Bill Alexander Show, Bill talks with Savannah Hauk. Savannah is a life-long crossdresser who began experimenting with feminine clothing at the age of 6-years-old, I grew up with the inherent understanding I was different than the other kids in the neighborhood. I grew up without the ability to easily fi…

1
S3 E7 Guest comedian Geri Jewel 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

Aug 7, 2024On this episode of the Bill Alexander Show, Bill talks with Geri Jewell. Geri is best known as Cousin Geri on the NBC sitcom, The Facts of Life. She was the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime-time series. She began her career doing stand-up comedy at the Comedy Store in 1978. In 1980 she performed at the 2nd…

1
S3 E6 Guest: author William Keck 36:56

1y ago36:56

36:56

Recorded July 19, 2024. On this episode of The Bill Alexander Show, Bill talks with William Keck about his book "When You Step Upon A Star". When You Step Upon A Star: Cringeworthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy is a humorous, yet brutally honest-tell-all from a reformed National Enquirer bad boy who exposed celebrities' private lives while harbo…

1
S3 E5 Guests: authors Andrea Balis & Elizabeth Levy 40:39

1y ago40:39

40:39

Recorded Jul 10, 2024. On this episode Bill talks with Andrea Balis & Elizabeth Levy about their book Witch Hunt. https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Hunt-Col....A cutting-edge look into a pivotal moment in US history: McCarthy's infamous "witch hunt" for communists during the 1950's Red Scare.At the cusp of the Cold War, Americans were so afraid of commu…

1
S3 E4 Guest: Dean Butler 30:02

1y ago30:02

30:02

Recorded Jul 2, 2024. On this episode of the Bill Alexander Show, Bill talks with actor Dean Butler and his new book Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond. An illuminating, insider’s journey through the world of Little House on the Prairie and beyond, from Dean Butler, who starred as Almanzo Wilder, the man Laura “Half Pint” Ingalls married—…

1
Unbound Tool #1 Your Toolkit for Psychological Safety 5:04

1y ago5:04

5:04

In these minisodes, I pick key tools from previous episodes. This clip comes from episode 33 with Dr David Burkus, author and renowned organisational psychologist. Tune in as he unpacks how to build psychological safety in teams, and his recommended toolkit with where to begin. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.liveunbound.com/podcasts/3…

1
#34: Amy Edmondson | Creating High-Performance Cultures 1:07:25

1+ y ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Expert leadership scholar Amy Edmondson unpacks psychological safety, the need for belonging, and overcoming imposter syndrome in teams. In this episode, we delve into toxic positivity, the balance between realism and optimism in leadership, and notable case studies like the "Miracle on Ice". In her books ‘Teaming’ and ‘The Fearless Organization’, …

1
#33: Dr David Burkus | How to Build a High-Performing Team 50:15

1+ y ago50:15

50:15

Renowned organisational psychologist Dr David Burkus unpacks how to enhance team performance and create meaningful work environments. Tune in as David shares invaluable insights on the importance of collecting stories of impact, conducting the "It's a Wonderful Life" test, and fostering a sense of value and belonging within teams. We'll also dive i…

1
#32: Nuala Walsh | How to Make World Class Decisions 53:52

1+ y ago53:52

53:52

In a fast-paced, noisy, and overloaded world, Behavioral Scientist Nuala Walsh explains why we tune out what matters and how we can "tune in" and leverage the insights we need to become more decisive and impactful leaders. Nuala shares her framework for identifying and overcoming the 200+ biases that can sabotage even the most seasoned leaders. Fro…

1
#31: George Kohlrieser | Applying hostage negotiation tactics in leadership 53:26

1+ y ago53:26

53:26

Hostage negotiator, clinical psychologist, and leadership expert George Kohlrieser has an unconventional approach to developing high-performing leaders - one that explores the impact of fear, loss, and personal transformation. George shares how his experiences on the front lines of crisis negotiation have given him a perspective into the power of c…

1
#30: Whitney Johnson | Disrupt Yourself 50:41

1+ y ago50:41

50:41

What if achieving mastery was simply a matter of navigating the predictable stages of growth mapped by the S-curve model? Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors, introduces the S-curve model for mastering personal and professional growth. She guides us through this framework, offering practical examples and real-life cases to illustrate its ap…

1
#29: Brian Pennie | Overcoming Trauma, Breaking Barriers and Living Good 55:01

1+ y ago55:01

55:01

After a near-death experience, Brian Pennie a former heroin addict for 15 years made a decision that transformed his entire existence. Brian went from rock bottom to becoming a leading advocate for empowering others to overcome trauma and addiction. Today, he is a neuroscientist and resilience specialist. Join us to explore: Living by a values-base…

1
#28: Eímear Noone | Irish Culture, Mindset & Breaking Barriers 1:29:02

1+ y ago1:29:02

1:29:02

Eímear Noone, an Irish composer and conductor, made history in 2020 by becoming the first woman to conduct at the Oscars. Eímear offers insights into how her upbringing shaped her work through the lens of Irish culture and values. In this conversation, experience her incredible journey of daring to dream big and turning dreams into reality through …

1
#27: Sarah McKay | Neuroscience, Managing Tech Consumption & Digital Overload 1:04:45

1+ y ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Neuroscientist and science communicator Sarah McKay examines the impact of digital overload on mental health. Our evolutionary history has not prepared us to manage the relentless influx of information from technology — a fundamental mismatch that can deteriorate mental wellbeing. Sarah discusses how the brain responds to the constant barrage from …