The Business Elevation Show With Chris Cooper - Be More. Achieve More

About this episode: On this episode, Chris is joined by national bestselling author and former Fortune 500 executive Jeff Hancher, whose book "Firm Feedback in a Fragile World" offers a practical and compassionate approach to one of leadership's toughest challenges: giving honest feedback without damaging trust. Jeff's own story is remarkable. Raised in poverty and starting his career as a fill-in truck driver, he rose through corporate leadership and eventually left to pursue his calling of helping leaders create cultures of clarity, courage and care. In this conversation they explore why so many leaders avoid difficult conversations, how firm feedback differs from criticism, and how leaders can set expectations and hold people accountable in a way that builds engagement rather than fear. They also look at how courageous conversations create energy, momentum and genuine cultural change inside organisations. If you want to elevate performance, strengthen relationships and lead with both courage and heart, thi

About this episode: How do you best navigate your career and the complex relationship between individuals and the workplace today? Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, exploded on social media in late 2020 with her expertise on careers and workplace dynamics, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast-growth start-ups. With more than one million followers on social media, she was recognised on USA Today's list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her first book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, are available on Spotify and Apple. Tessa has also recently launched a free no-strings-attached mentoring platform called Career RX and is a valued member of The Elevation Collective. Join us for this Special Encore episode as we explore her forthcoming book, The 5 Stages of Career Growth, and uncover the insights you need to recognise where you are in your career journey, how to progress to the next stage, and how to build last

About this episode: In a world living through what many now call a "polycrisis" – overlapping conflicts, climate shocks and social division – what does truly graceful leadership look like? In this powerful conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Dr Will Parks, a deeply experienced humanitarian leader whose career has taken him from UNICEF roles in the Pacific Islands, Nepal, Iraq, Iran, Bhutan and Cambodia to his latest work as an author, coach and mentor. Inspired at 16 by UNICEF's legendary Executive Director Jim Grant, Will went on to spend almost 20 years leading programmes for children in some of the world's most fragile contexts – often on the front line of natural disasters and human-made crises. Along the way he has witnessed both the worst and the very best of humanity: families fleeing ISIS in Iraq, deep trauma along the Cambodia–Thailand border, but also extraordinary kindness, courage and recovery. Drawing on his new book, "Graceful Leadership – Inspiring hope, creativity and resilience in ti

About this episode: How can entrepreneurship be used not only to build livelihoods, but also to lift communities and create a happier, more connected world? In this inspiring episode, host Chris Cooper talks with Michael Glauser, entrepreneur, author, and Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Utah State University. Michael has built and sold successful companies, cycled 4,000 miles across America to meet extraordinary small-town entrepreneurs, and now leads the SEED poverty alleviation program, which helps thousands of people across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean to start small enterprises and double their household income. Together, Chris and Michael explore the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship, purpose, and human happiness. They discuss how creating meaningful work can combat despair and anxiety, why social entrepreneurship may hold the key to sustainable development, and what six universal principles—drawn from science and timeless wisdom—can help individuals an

About this episode: Deep beneath the frozen frontier of Antarctica, a massive glacier the size of the UK is sliding toward the sea. Thwaites — known as the "Doomsday Glacier" — could raise global sea levels by more than two feet and trigger the collapse of the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet, reshaping coastlines and economies worldwide. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Ted Scambos, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Colorado, joins Chris Cooper to reveal what satellite data and 24 Antarctic expeditions have taught him about climate tipping points, resilience, and human ingenuity. Together they explore how science, technology, and leadership intersect — and why the same qualities that help scientists survive in Antarctica are exactly what businesses need to navigate a warming, uncertain world. From the race to decarbonise and the promise of clean energy to the rise of AI and data-driven climate solutions, this episode asks: What can leaders, innovators, and organisations for good learn fr

About this episode: What if ambition didn't have to mean striving, burnout, or compromise? What if it could be a joyful, purpose-driven expression of who you truly are? In this inspiring conversation, Rha Goddess — entrepreneurial soul coach, author, and founder of Move The Crowd — joins Chris Cooper to explore how to align purpose, prosperity, and impact through her concept and new book Intentional Ambition. Also to discuss how she is galvanizing a movement of 3 million entrepreneurs reimagining work as a vehicle for creative expression, financial freedom, and societal transformation. For over three decades, Rha has helped changemakers, cultural visionaries, and social entrepreneurs stay true, get paid, and do good — redefining success at the intersection of values and vitality. In this interview we discuss how to find joy, freedom, and fulfilment in your work while contributing meaningfully to the world around you. If you're ready to lead, create, and live with greater intention, this conversation will

About This Episode: In this special encore interview, we meet Dr. Rachel Morris, a seasoned former GP and speaker who intimately understands the pressures of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and teetering on the brink of burnout. With a deep belief that it is possible to thrive both in work and life, Rachel advocates for the idea that happiness and a fulfilling career should not be mutually exclusive. As the host of the widely acclaimed podcast You Are Not A Frog, Rachel has been a guiding voice for many professionals struggling to maintain balance in their lives. In addition to her podcast, she created the Shapes Toolkit Programme, which helps doctors and other healthcare staff in high stress, high stakes jobs beat burnout and work happier. Her courses are lauded for helping healthcare workers navigate the challenges of their roles while preserving their well-being. She has served as the Director of Leadership Courses for Red Whale (GP Update Ltd), where she co-authored and delivered their flagship course, L

About this episode: In this Special Encore episode, we explore Fueling Dreams with Shay Hoelscher, CEO of privé products, and Sabré Cook, trailblazing racing driver and engineer, as they break new ground for women in motorsport. As the first female driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Series, Sabré defies the odds in a male-dominated field, inspiring a wave of female fans and aspiring racers alike. Supported by Shay and privé, her journey isn’t just about competition; it’s about redefining representation and championing equality on and off the track.  With backgrounds that span engineering, motorsport, and business, both Shay and Sabré share stories that highlight the transformative power of women supporting women. Together, they embody the mission of Fueling Dreams—encouraging women to pursue their passions with determination and grace. Sabré’s lifelong passion for racing, shaped by her early karting successes and grounded in a career across top racing series, finds its perfect partnership with S

About this episode: What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and perform at their very best? In this episode, Chris Cooper is joined by Mehmet Baha, known simply as Baha, an international speaker, trainer, and author whose life’s mission has been to make a positive difference in people’s lives. With over 24 years of global experience across Europe, the USA, Turkey, and Central America, Baha has worked with organizations of all sizes—including being one of the first employees at Facebook in Europe. A Fulbright Scholar with a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Online Executive Programme in Organizational Leadership, Baha is passionate about helping leaders unlock the power of psychological safety. His new book, Creating Psychological Safety at Work—praised by Daniel Pink as “a timely book filled with fascinating case studies, robust research, and practical tools for driving change”—offers a roadmap for building high

About this episode: In this special edition of The Business Elevation Show, I am joined by two extraordinary leaders—Tom Eddington and Jim Garrison—for a conversation on the State of the World Forum and its urgent mission for our times. Tom Eddington is an author, executive coach, and business advisor whose work bridges leadership, media, and consciousness. As Vice President of the State of the World Forum, he is helping to shape a paradigmatic shift in how we live and lead, bringing more compassion, awareness, and flourishing into the world. Jim Garrison is the President of the State of the World Forum 2025–2030, a revival of the groundbreaking initiative he co-founded with President Mikhail Gorbachev, Senator Alan Cranston, and Secretary of State George Shultz. Jim’s remarkable career spans global leadership, diplomacy, education, and philosophy—from directing nuclear policy in Washington, DC, to leading the Esalen Soviet-American Exchange Program, to founding Ubiquity University and Humanity Rising.

About this episode: How do you best navigate your career and the complex relationship between individuals and the workplace today? Tessa White, known as the Job Doctor, exploded on social media in late 2020 with her expertise on careers and workplace dynamics, after 20 years leading human resources functions within the Fortune 50 to fast-growth start-ups. With more than one million followers on social media, she was recognised on USA Today’s list as one of the top speakers to watch in 2022. Her first book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, and her podcast, The Job Doctor is In, are available on Spotify and Apple. Tessa has also recently launched a free no-strings-attached mentoring platform called Career RX and is a valued member of The Elevation Collective. Join us as we explore her forthcoming book, The 5 Stages of Career Growth, and uncover the insights you need to recognise where you are in your career journey, how to progress to the next stage, and how to build lasting success and fulfilment

About this epsiode: What if the toughest problems in your business aren’t really about people at all—but about process? And what if the missing ingredient in leadership today is learning how to hold people accountable with both clarity and compassion? In this uplifting conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Lisa Bing, a sought-after leadership strategist, educator, and board leader whose career spans corporate boardrooms, NYU classrooms, faith communities, and the arts. Lisa has ad-vised executives across industries for over 20 years, drawing on unique methods that weave in movement, dance, and the performing arts to help leaders experience what trust, support, and connection really feel like. Together they’ll explore how to distinguish process problems from people problems and why getting this wrong causes unnecessary stress and failure, what true accountability looks like when it builds relationships rather than breaks them, the surprising leadership lessons from dance, movement, and the arts that can tra

About this episode: Anthony Willoughby has lived an extraordinary life. From growing up in Africa to decades spent in Japan, his journey has taken him across some of the most remote and challenging landscapes on earth. An explorer, adventurer, and entrepreneur, Anthony is the founder of The Nomadic School of Business and the creator of Territory Mapping—a unique methodology inspired by indigenous wisdom that helps leaders and organisations clarify their purpose, define what they must protect, and navigate obstacles with courage. In this conversation, Anthony shares remarkable stories of learning from tribes in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Mongolia, and Australia. We will discuss how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership, trust, and cross-cultural understanding. Along the way, we’ll explore the deeper questions of identity, belonging, and legacy that lie at the heart of his work. Whether you are leading a business, a team, or simply your own life, Anthony’s insights will inspire you to think di

About this episode: How do ordinary people light up the world in extraordinary ways? In this inspiring episode of The Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper interviews visionary leader and author Julie Wignall about her multi-award-winning book The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies. Julie coined the term “Fireflies” to describe those who break barriers and illuminate new possibilities. With a career spanning national politics, international business, the arts, and environmental conservation, Julie brings unique insight into how changemakers can align with their purpose and shine their light more brightly. From revolutionising animal welfare at Mirage Resorts International to shaping conservation policy, producing television projects, and coaching leaders worldwide, Julie’s journey is a masterclass in making impact across sectors. Together, Chris and Julie explore how each of us can become a Firefly—igniting positive change and inspiring others to do the same.   More about Julie Wignall: Julie Wign

About this episode: Duro Oye has dedicated his life to unlocking potential where the odds are stacked against it. As the CEO and founder of the multi-award-winning charity 20/20 Levels, he has already empowered thousands of young people from black, racially underrepresented, and low socio-economic backgrounds — and his vision is nothing short of transforming a billion lives worldwide. In this inspiring conversation, we will discuss his journey from documentary filmmaker to social impact leader, revealing the strategies behind securing millions in funding, forging powerful corporate partnerships, and building programmes that change lives. We’ll explore the challenges facing today’s youth, the entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation in the charity sector, and how authentic storytelling can shift perceptions and systems. Whether you’re a leader, changemaker, or someone seeking proof that bold visions are possible, this is a Good Matters conversation you won’t want to miss.  About Duro Oye: Duro

About this episode: From cutting-edge genomics research to the floor of the UK Parliament, and from advising on AI ethics to shaping the future of financial investments, Dr Julian Huppert has lived a career at the intersection of science, politics, and social good. As the Founding Director of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, Julian convenes brilliant minds to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our age—from climate change and civil liberties to sustainable finance and better futures for all. In this conversation, we explore his remarkable journey, the influence of his late mother’s work on creating the world we want to live in, his leadership in pioneering ethical governance in tech, and his vision for aligning innovation, policy, and humanity’s long-term wellbeing. Join us for a rich, wide-ranging discussion that will inspire you to think bigger about how knowledge, ethics, and action can combine to amplify good in the world.   More about Dr Julian Huppert: Dr Julian Hupp

About This Episode: What does it take to not just survive life’s toughest challenges—but to come back stronger and inspire others? In this extraordinary episode, I speak with Andrew Jenkins, a finalist on the BBC hit show The Traitors, and a powerful voice for resilience and mental health advocacy. At just 21, Andrew’s life changed forever when a devastating car accident left him in a coma, with doctors fearing he might never walk, talk, or recognise his loved ones again. But against all odds, he defied the prognosis, fought back with unrelenting courage, and rebuilt his life from the ground up. In this conversation, Andrew shares the raw and remarkable journey from silence and struggle to strength and purpose. We explore how he turned trauma into transformation, why mental health matters more than ever, and how each of us can unlock the strength within to rise again. Also a little insight into what it is like to become a star in a top tv show! This is a story of grit, hope, and the unbreakable human spi

About this episode: In this highly compelling episode, we’re joined by David Bickford CB, a former senior intelligence official who served as Legal Director and Under-Secretary of State at both MI5 and MI6. David played a key role in shaping the UK's counter-terrorism and intelligence laws, creating the legal pathways that enabled operational intelligence to be used in court—revolutionising the intelligence community's ability to act and protect. Now a bestselling author, David brings decades of real-life espionage experience into his critically acclaimed Katyathriller series, co-written with his wife Cary. His fiction is celebrated for its authenticity, moral complexity, and international scope—taking readers from Arctic missions to Cold War Berlin. In this conversation, David reflects on his extraordinary career, the moral challenges of intelligence work, leadership lessons and how he continues to explore global intrigue through his writing. Expect sharp insights, fascinating stories, and powerful refl

About this episode: In this inspiring Special Encore conversation, Chris Cooper is joined by Zoe Holland MBE, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Fletchers Group, legal entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for heart-led leadership. With a leadership mantra of “there is no room for ego,” Zoe champions authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership, empowering leaders to create meaningful change. Together, Zoe and Chris explore the power of self-leadership, invitational communication, and leading with care. They also discuss Zoe’s journey, her commitment to using ‘law for good’, and her mission to uplift underrepresented groups. From neurodiversity coaching to fostering a culture of authentic leadership, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders who want to lead with both heart and impact. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership that truly makes a difference.   More about Zoe Holland MBE: Zoe Holland MBE is an entrepreneurial, C-Suite leader (Fletchers Group Chief Commercia