In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, host Andy Lopata welcomes Nathan Farrugia, leader of the Vistage Group. Nathan is an experienced business coach with more than 20 years’ experience across Technology, construction, healthcare, Education, and hospitality, as well as a TEDx speaker, philanthropist and record-breaking adventurer. Nathan’s impressive resume includes setting a world record for running 27 marathons in 27 countries in 27 days.

Andy and Nathan examine the art of asking tough questions, a skill vital for leaders. Nathan believes many leaders, particularly those grappling with Burnout and change, are not being asked the crucial question, “Is what you’re doing aligned with your purpose in life?” This existential query, often avoided in everyday interactions, becomes a cornerstone of Nathan’s Coaching approach, prompting introspection and reflection.

Exploring the delicate balance between assertiveness and vulnerability in coaching, Nathan emphasises the importance of earning trust before delving into deeper, potentially uncomfortable questions. He shares how his own experiences, coupled with strategic storytelling, help him build rapport and encourage clients to open up. 

The episode highlights the importance of understanding emotional responses to tough, challenging questions, specifically drawing on the concept of the “chimp brain”—the instinctive, reactive part of our minds. Nathan explains how he recognises these reactions through body language and seeks to create a safe space for individuals to move beyond emotional defences and engage with their rational minds.

Andy and Nathan explore the distinction between coaching and mentoring, with Nathan underscoring that while he may offer insights based on his experience, he never prescribes solutions. He prioritises empowering clients to discover their own answers through a process of exploration and self-discovery.

What we discussed:

1.     Are you asking the right questions?

2.     Beyond the surface. Nathan’s experiences highlight the importance of diving deep to understand the emotional drivers behind a client’s challenges. How much are you truly listening to your team?

3.    The power of vulnerability. How can you create a space where open dialogue and authentic conversation flourish?

4.    Unlocking the “chimp brain.” Learn how to recognise and navigate emotional reactions to challenging questions.

5.     The magic of group dynamics. Learn how to leverage the power of collective Wisdom in your team?

Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube

Connect with Nathan Farrugia: Website |LinkedIn |X/Twitter

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring

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Andy Lopata Author, Podcast Host and Speaker on Professional Relationships Strategy

Andy Lopata is a specialist speaker on professional relationships, mentoring, networking, and social media strategy. He is a firm believer that professional relationships underpin our success in business, our roles, and our careers. The right relationships with the right people can lead to new business opportunities, investment, collaborative working, innovation, and career progress. We just need to be comfortable approaching those relationships strategically, without making people feel ‘networked’ by us.

Andy has worked in the field of networking and professional relationships for 25 years, working with global giants such as Paypal, GSK, AstraZeneca, Wella, HSBC, Wembley Stadium, the BBC, and the Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE, among many others during that time. He has also worked with leading universities including NYU, Duke University, and Oxford University’s Said Business School.

A regular blogger for Psychology Today, Andy has been quoted in The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, as well as many other national and regional newspapers and magazines worldwide. He has written or co-authored six books on networking and professional relationships, with his sixth book, "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring," being published in Spring 2024. He is also the host of The Connected Leadership Podcast and has interviewed globally recognized names in business, academia, sports, and entertainment for the show.

Andy has been inducted into the PSAE Hall of Fame – the Professional Speaking Association Award of Excellence, which was held by only 21 other speakers at the time it was presented. He is a Fellow and a former President of the Fellows’ Community of the Professional Speaking Association (PSA), a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), and a Member of the Association of Business Mentors and the Meetings Industry Association.