Podcast
Three Points: A Leadership Podcast By People Playbook
Welcome to Three Points: a podcast where we sit down with world-class leaders to unpack their three most valuable leadership lessons.
Hosted by People Playbook's Tony McGaharan, the show exists to empower leaders just like you with clear, actionable insights you can use to make your team and organisation even better.
Plus, with episodes ranging from trends like burnout, trust and play, these 20-30 minute conversations are the perfect commuting companion to help you stay ahead of the leadership curve.
- Episodes
- 53
- Releases
- Monthly
- Typical length
- 34 min
- On air since
- 2022
- Latest episode
- 2 weeks ago
Episodes
53 episodes, newest first
-
36 min
Non Alcoholic Craic with Jim Fitzpatrick
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Episode Description
With over three decades of experience in journalism and broadcasting, Jim Fitzpatrick hosts the Trading Up podcast and serves as Consulting Editor at the Irish News.
He is also an experienced presenter, founder of The Sober Irish, and Chair of PeacePlayers Northern Ireland, a charity dedicated to transforming lives and building peace.
In this episode, Jim shares his three points on non-alcoholic craic:
1. When alcohol steps back, presence and clarity step forward.
2. Less alcohol. More presence. Better craic.
3. Non-alcoholic drinks aren't a replacement; they're part of the mix.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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35 min
Choreographing Your Career with Jasmine Kerr
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Episode Description
Jasmine Kerr is an actor with a career in performance spanning almost 20 years. Originally from Manchester, she began her career as a professional dancer in commercial theatre before transitioning into acting, working across television, film and the stage.
Most recently, Jasmine appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre and in the West End, where she also stepped into the role of Associate Choreographer. Her career has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning, moving between creative disciplines while bringing the skills and perspective from each into the next.
In this episode, Jasmine shares her three points on choreographing your career:
•
Learn Every Role in the Room
•
Transitions Are a Skill
•
Stay in Motion
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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36 min
Creative Thinking Wins with Ashley Smallwood
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Episode Description
Ashley is a design thinker, facilitator, and educator with over 20 years of experience managing teams, leading projects, and designing group experiences. Her specialty is galvanizing teams to solve complex problems. Ashley has partnered with organizations of all stripes and been a leader inside organizations such as IDEO, Clear USA, Tough Mudder, and Teachers College, Columbia University.
In this episode, Ashley shares her three points on how creative thinking wins:
1) Creativity Makes Work Better
2) Creativity Is the Edge
3) Creativity loves constraints
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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35 min
Practice Makes Permanent with Dave Hopla
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Episode Description
Dave Hopla is a Basketball Shooting Coach + Shooting Consultant/ Corporate Motivational Speaker. Dave Hopla, a long-time NBA assistant coach and personal coach for stars like Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki, has been directing camps at PIBC for over three decades. Considered one of the best shooting instructors in the world, Coach Hopla has improved the skills of countless basketball players. His knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, energy, passion, and love of the game are unmatched. As good a shooter as Dave is, he is even a better teacher.
In this episode, Dave shares his three points on practice makes permanent:
•
Routines win games
•
Simplicity
•
Charting your shots
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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33 min
Feedback Without Fear with Cornelius Lee
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Episode Description
Cornelius's work sits at the intersection of culture, strategy, and operations. He helps organizations get clear on where they are headed, set priorities that match, and build the habits and routines that turn plans into action. Throughout his work, Cornelius focuses on creating environments where people can do hard, meaningful work anchored in inclusion and equity.
In this episode, Cornelius shares his three points on feedback without fear:
1) First pass at receiving feedback is reflexive vs. reflective
2) Why Feedback Can Feel Like a Threat
3) How to master Your Reactions with feedback
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to more leadership content.
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34 min
The Coaching Advantage with Lucie Coudret
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Episode Description
Lucie is a coach, facilitator, and learning designer passionate about learning research, behavioral science, and leveraging innovative technologies. She is one of the few VR coaches in the UK and has also built a global online community for coaches, Coaching Innovators.
Her experience spans from early career development to senior leadership training with a wide range of global organizations working in 3 different languages.
She is on a mission to spread the word on coaching as being THE future skill that everyone needs to build better relationships, connections, and to be better in business (for influencing, negotiating, sales, etc)
In this episode, Lucie shares her three points on the coaching advantage:
•
Stop Solving. Start Thinking Together
•
Listen With Curiosity
•
Coaching Is the Human Edge
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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33 min
Beyond Executive Presence with Tracey Madigan
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Episode Description
Tracey Madigan is a Speaker, Speaking Coach, Communications Trainer, and Media Trainer. She coaches authors, experts, diplomats, and anyone who wants their message to truly land.
As a Director at 15 Minutes Group, Tracey primarily helps clients with media appearances, public speaking, and event moderation. When working with corporate clients as a Playmaker with People Playbook, my focus shifts to improving internal communication and connection, not just public speaking. She works to make sure words are not just heard, but truly understood.
In this episode, Tracey shares her three points on beyond executive presence:
•
Executive presence is the confidence that people can feel
•
Avoiding communication is not an option
•
Treat conflict as an opportunity
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to more leadership content.
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35 min
Freelancing with Kathryn B Wilson
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Episode Description
Kathryn B Wilson is a Northern Irish television and radio presenter who has captivated audiences for over a decade. With an impressive portfolio spanning BBC Radio 1, CBBC, Children in Need, and numerous BBC Bitesize projects, she has established herself as one of the UK's most versatile broadcasting talents.
In this episode, Kathryn shares her three points on freelancing:
•
Finding Your Value
•
Building Confidence in Business
•
The Side of business Nobody wants to talk About
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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31 min
Team First, Self Second with Brent Bookwalter
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Episode Description
Brent Bookwalter is a 2016 Olympian and 16-year veteran of professional cycling whose career was defined by grit, tenacity, and world-class collaboration. A key member of Cadel Evans' 2011 Tour de France-winning team, Brent earned podium finishes at premier stage races worldwide before retiring in 2021.
Today, he blends that high-level experience with academic rigor, holding a Master's degree in Sport Psychology from Adams State University. In addition to his work as a TV analyst for NBC/Peacock's Tour de France coverage, Brent serves as a Mental Performance Coach, helping athletes and leaders optimize habits and strengthen their mental game.
In this episode, Brent shares his three points on team first, self second:
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Find Your Race
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Commit to the Role
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Trust and Psychological Safety
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
*** Connect with Brent on LinkedIn or visit his website https://www.brentbookwalter.com/
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32 min
The Neuroscience of High Performance with Bret Freeman
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Episode Description
Bret is a business psychologist who specialises in applied neuroscience and works with senior leadership teams around the world to help improve cultural transformation. He is passionate about using neuroscience to create lasting change in the lives of those he works with.
In this episode, Bret shares his three points on the neuroscience of high performance:
•
Your Unique Brain
•
In the Zone
•
Make it Brain-Friendly
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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33 min
AI and The Future of Work with Dr. Lollie Mancey
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Episode Description
Dr. Lollie Mancey is an Anthropologist, AI Ethicist, TV, Radio Show, & Podcast Presenter. Increasingly recognised as a global thought leader in education, AI ethics, and the future of work, Dr. Mancey is a visionary leader at the forefront of progressive topics.
With a PhD in Organisational Learning and a background in Anthropology, Dr. Lollie brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. She seamlessly connects academic insights with real-world applications, making her a sought-after educator and speaker.
In this episode, Dr. Lollie shares her three points on AI and the future of work:
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When to say no to AI efficiency
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How to use AI to strengthen, not weaken, belonging
•
Why Employees must shape their own AI learning journey
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to more leadership content.
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35 min
Culture and Talent with Amrit Santhirasenan
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Episode Description
Amrit is the CEO and co-founder of hyperexponential, the provider of the AI-powered platform for pricing and underwriting decisions. Amrit is a qualified actuary and computer science graduate with a specialism in pricing, and has worked for 12 years in the Lloyd's and London Markets. His experience includes leading Pricing and Analytics at Tokio Marine Kiln — the specialist commercial arm of one of the world's largest insurance companies.
Beginning as an engineer at hx in 2017, Amrit now leads a team of 150+ across London, New York, Portugal, and Poland.
In this episode, Amrit shares his three points on culture and talent:
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The Peckham Carpark test
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The Minority Mindset
•
The Capacity Paradox
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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37 min
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Hanna Naima McCloskey
Episode 41
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Episode Description
Hanna Naima McCloskey (she/her) is an Algerian British and the Founder & CEO of Fearless Futures. Before founding Fearless Futures, she worked for the UN, NGOs, and the Royal Bank of Scotland, holding various roles across communications, research, and finance. She has lived, studied, and worked in Palestine, Italy, the USA, Sudan, Syria, and the UK.
She has a BA in English from the University of Cambridge and an MA in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, with a specialism in Conflict Management.
Hanna is the co-author of Fearless Futures' 2024 White Paper - DEI Disrupted: The Blueprint for DEI Worth Doing. She is a former Trustee of the Finance Innovation Lab, which works towards changing economic and financial systems, and is also a qualified ABM bodyfeeding peer supporter, committed to enabling all parents to meet their bodyfeeding goals.
In this episode, Hanna shares her three points on diversity, equity, and inclusion:
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The Business Case vs. The Business Need for DEI
•
Getting The Most Out Of Your DEI Endeavors
•
How DEI unlocks High Performance
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to more leadership content.
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34 min
Being Ready with CJ Fulton
Episode 40
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Episode Description
This episode, we are joined by Belfast-born CJ Fulton, who was officially signed to the Minnesota Timberwolves roster for the 2025 NBA Summer League. His success marks an incredible moment in the history of Irish basketball.
CJ became the first Irish-born and Irish-developed male athlete to reach this NBA pathway, at just 22 years old. He is an amazing representative of the basketball community in Belfast, and is an inspiration to younger players across Ireland.
In this episode, CJ shares his three points on being ready:
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Stay Ready so you don't have to get ready
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Be Adaptable
•
The Importance of Self-Belief
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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35 min
The US-Ireland Relationship with Trina Vargo
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Episode Description
Trina Vargo is the president of the US-Ireland Alliance, an organization she founded in 1998. From late 1987 until April 1998, she was employed by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and served as his foreign policy adviser during the critical years of the Northern Ireland peace process. Trina is the author of Shenanigans.
Vargo created the US-Ireland Alliance to build ties between the US and the island of Ireland for future generations. She also established the George J. Mitchell Scholarship program, which sends future American leaders to institutions of higher learning in Ireland for a year of graduate study. Nearly 300 Americans apply annually for one of the 12 prestigious scholarships. Vargo also created the annual Oscar Wilde Awards to honor the Irish in entertainment. The annual event is currently held at J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot production company in Santa Monica, and Vargo has played an essential role in encouraging film production in Ireland, including the filming of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS.
Working directly with political leaders in Northern Ireland, the Clinton Administration, and the Irish Government, Vargo served as a key behind-the-scenes player in the Northern Ireland peace process, including the granting of a visa for Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams to visit the US in 1994. That visa was central to the subsequent IRA cease-fire and the peace talks, which led to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. As a foreign policy adviser to Kennedy, Vargo's wide-ranging portfolio included imposing sanctions on Libya following the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight103; spear-heading the efforts to bring free and fair elections to Guyana in 1992; changing the way the State Department analyzed United Nations voting patterns which impacted on foreign aid eligibility; and getting Jews out of the Soviet Union and Syria, and Americans out of China after Tiananmen Square.
In this episode, Trina shares her three points on the US-Ireland relationship:
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The George J. Mitchell Scholarship program
•
Connecting Hollywood to Ireland
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The change in the relationship between the US and Ireland
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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34 min
Asking To Win with Danielle Hill and Jessie Barr
Episode 38
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Episode Description
Danielle Hill is an Olympic swimmer whose experience in high-level competition has shaped her belief in the importance of mental fitness and resilience.
Her own experiences as an Olympian – including competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – have taught her that true performance comes from a strong mindset, as much as from physical preparation.
Jessie Barr is a Sport and Performance Psychologist working at the Sport Ireland Institute with a number of Olympic and Paralympic sports including cycling, swimming, diving, athletics, badminton, sailing and gymnastics.
Prior to qualifying as a sport psychologist, Jessie was an international athlete, competing in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. She retired from athletics in 2019.
In this episode, Danielle and Jessie share their three points on asking to win:
1. Why asking for help makes you stronger, not weaker.
2. How past failures inspire future success.
3. Turning words into action.
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
*** Connect with Danielle - Instagram: @danielle_hiill and X: Danielle_FBD
Connect with Jessie - Instagram: @JessieBarr247
***
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33 min
Negotiating with Emotional Intelligence with Tony Anagor
Episode 37
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Episode Description
Tony Anagor is a seasoned expert in communication skills and negotiation, with a strong focus on leadership development. He is particularly known for his work in the field of Emotionally Intelligent Negotiation (EIN), a program he co-founded to help leaders and teams enhance their negotiation strategies through the application of emotional intelligence.
This approach emphasises understanding and managing emotions to achieve better negotiation outcomes, making the process more collaborative and effective.
In this episode, Tony shares his three points on negotiating with emotional intelligence:
1. Your counterpart is not your enemy
2. Seek to understand, not to convince
3. Create value before capturing value
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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33 min
Getting The Best From Introverts with Shola Kaye
Episode 36
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Episode Description
Shola is an author of two books, and she's also an award-winning international speaker on Communication, Inclusive Leadership, and Empathy at Work. Shola's passionate about helping organizations create an atmosphere of belonging for their people.
When a workplace is fully inclusive and welcoming, amazing things happen. People are transformed into leaders. Teams and groups perform better. Everyone benefits. An expert in her field, Shola's work appears in a variety of industry journals. She's also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, and her clients include The United Nations and Deloitte.
In this episode, Shola shares her three points on getting the best from introverts:
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Don't assume all introverts are the same
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What high-performing introverts can do in order to achieve more
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How leaders can get the best from the introverts on their team
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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33 min
Creating A Personal Brand with Vittorio Angelone
Episode 35
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Episode Description
Vittorio Angelone is an Italian-Irish comedian who grew up in Belfast. After moving to London to train as a classical musician, he eventually made the predictable switch to stand-up comedy. He has risen through the ranks of the comedy world at an incredible speed, building a following with stand-up clips, podcasts, and sketches amassing millions of views online.
He has supported huge names on tour, including Russell Howard, Jason Manford, Adam Rowe, Shane Todd, and Dan Nightingale.
In this episode, Vittorio shares his three points on creating a personal brand:
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Start with Social Media
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Marginal Gains
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Attention to Detail
If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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34 min
Make Time for What Matters Most with Connor Swenson
Episode 34
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Episode Description
Connor is a facilitator, writer, and entrepreneur.
As the CEO of Make Time, he is on a mission to bring the Make Time philosophy to the masses.
With a focus on helping individuals, teams, and organizations integrate the Make Time framework and tactics into their lives, Connor is dedicated to enhancing focus, combating distraction, and fostering environments where employee well-being and fulfillment are paramount.
Through his leadership, Make Time has reached thousands of leaders and professionals from renowned organizations like YouTube, Squarespace, and L'Oréal, empowering them to reclaim control over their time and prioritize what truly matters.
In this episode, Connor shares his three points on making time for what matters most:
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Time is Our Only Finite Resource
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We Spend Most of Our Time by Default
•
It's Not Your Fault
If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing for more leadership content.
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