Alex engages in a captivating conversation with Jamie Dixon, a leadership coach and trainer based in China. Jamie shares his transformative journey from working in a coffee shop in Portsmouth to teaching English in China, ultimately leveraging his experiences to develop a successful career in leadership development. The discussion delves into the importance of empathy in business, the art of storytelling as a tool for influence, and the significance of embracing uncertainty and experimentation. Jamie introduces his framework of "Relate, Challenge, Resolve," which serves as a guide for effective storytelling and influencing others.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace Spontaneity and Experimentation: Taking risks and being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. The importance of experimenting and trying new things is emphasised as a way to open doors and create multiple pathways in life.
The Power of Empathy in Leadership: Empathy is a crucial skill for effective leadership and business success. Understanding others' perspectives can enhance communication and collaboration, ultimately leading to better outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
Storytelling as a Tool for Influence: Storytelling is not just about entertainment; it's a powerful method for making meaning and influencing others. The framework of "relate, challenge, resolve" can be applied to both storytelling and changing people's beliefs, making it essential for effective communication.
Adaptability to Change: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is vital for success. Recognizing that different cultures and contexts require different approaches can help individuals and organisations navigate challenges more effectively.
Authenticity and Personal Growth: Authenticity is key in building trust and rapport with others. While it's important to align with one's values and personality, being open to change and personal development is equally crucial. This balance allows for genuine connections while also encouraging growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think just experimenting and trying things and seeing what happens, it's something I believe in very, very much."

"Empathy is one of the most fundamental business and leadership skills to develop."

"When you want to influence people, you need to relate to people first." - Jamie Dixon

"The position you are in right now is a step. And there's a step behind you and a step in front."

"Reality is not the stories we tell ourselves. It's so much more complicated than we could ever comprehend."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jamie has honed his unique skills and specialist expertise over 15 years, collaborating with ambitious leaders across 160 multinational brands.

He has a unique methodology, taking a broader picture of storytelling, focussing on the art and science of making meaning rather than just telling stories.

He applies and integrates insights from behaviour science and behaviour design into his developed approach to practical training, along with the pragmatic mindset that he gained from living in China for most of his career.

Jamie practices what he preaches and builds habits into his daily conversations to add value – collecting stories, providing examples to support his statements, and using vivid language, metaphors and analogies.

https://thestoryhabit.com/

ABOUT THE HOST
Alex is a prize-winning chartered accountant with experience in financial markets from trading finance, capital hedging, structural foreign exchange, and interest rates to operational risk from the world’s top financial and advisory institutions including Deloitte, RBS, and JPMorgan Chase
Alex has been involved in property development programmes across different types since 2008, building and managing a portfolio that includes standard buy-to-lets, student accommodation and other houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs).
He specialises in raising finance, providing potential investors, investors, and joint venture partners with ad hoc (to their specific requirements), hands-free and hassle-free property investments solutions as well as coaching and mentoring
Alex aspires to share business and financial knowledge with upcoming entrepreneurs and experienced business minds to learn and master the concepts and mindsets required to succeed, stand-out, have the edge and make a difference.
Alex is also a keen traveller, cyclist, and photographer.

CONTACT METHOD
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/alex_sapala
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZ1DCPGAu5c2yhOkfGZRSQ