Leading Professionals Podcast by Professor Laura Empson | Ethical & Reflective Leadership
In a business world dominated by glossy “rise and grind” narratives, a new podcast is challenging the norms of leadership conversations. “Leading Professionals,” hosted by renowned leadership expert Professor Laura Empson, is set to provide business leaders, professionals, and aspiring executives with a deeper understanding of power, ethics, and uncertainty in modern organizations.
Unlike typical CEO-focused podcasts that often skim the surface of management success, this series promises in-depth explorations of decision-making, ethical dilemmas, and resilience, blending academic insights with real-world leadership experiences.
While many leadership podcasts focus on personal success stories or career hacks, Professor Empson’s approach is distinctly research-driven and reflective. Drawing on over 30 years of research into leadership and professional service firms, Empson bridges academic insights and practical application. Her aim is to provide listeners with actionable frameworks for leadership while exploring the human side of professional life.
Key differentiators include:
Deep dives into ethical decision-making: How senior leaders navigate morally complex situations.
Focus on resilience: Real examples of leaders managing crises and high-pressure environments.
Exploration of uncertainty: Insights into handling rapid change, technological disruption, and global shifts.
Psychological safety and wellbeing: Applying concepts like Applied Buddhism to leadership challenges.
Launch Episode: A Conversation with Google’s Chief Economist
The first episode features Dr. Fabien Curto Millet, Google’s Chief Economist. In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Curto Millet shares his strategies for:
Leading teams during crises
Responding to geopolitical and economic shifts
Managing the organizational impact of AI and automation
He introduces the concept of “horseback Economics,” a metaphor for navigating rapidly evolving data and translating technical expertise into effective management practices. Dr. Curto Millet also emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, creating an environment where teams can take risks without fear of negative consequences, and highlights how mindfulness techniques from Applied Buddhism can reduce stress in high-pressure roles.
Upcoming Guests to Watch
Professor Empson has lined up a series of high-profile leaders who will provide unique perspectives on leadership:
Dame Emily Lawson: Former head of the UK’s vaccine rollout program. She will share her experiences in resilience, crisis leadership, and navigating unprecedented public health challenges.
Paul Lewis: Firmwide Managing Partner at Linklaters, who will explore professionalism, social mobility, and the ethical obligations of modern leaders.
Georgia Dawson: Senior Partner at Freshfields, discussing the realities of professional ethics and balancing client demands with personal integrity.
Michael Ensser: Chair of Egon Zehnder, on leadership elections and organizational governance.
Michael Izza CBE: Former CEO of ICAEW, discussing AI’s role in transforming professional work and the evolving landscape of private equity.
Each guest brings a wealth of experience, providing listeners with practical insights into real-world leadership challenges.
The Philosophy Behind the Podcast
Professor Empson explains that leading professionally is not just about achieving results—it’s about navigating complex human, ethical, and emotional landscapes. The podcast emphasizes:
Balancing strategy with reflection: Leaders must align business goals with personal values and ethics.
Acknowledging uncertainty: Effective leaders thrive under conditions of ambiguity, adapting to unforeseen challenges.
Ethical leadership in practice: Moving beyond theoretical discussions to examine real-life dilemmas.
Resilience and well-being: Prioritizing psychological safety and emotional health in professional environments.
This philosophy challenges conventional narratives about leadership, highlighting the often-overlooked internal struggles of senior executives.
Why “Leading Professionals” is a Must-Listen for Modern Leaders
In today’s fast-changing business landscape, leadership is no longer just about vision or strategy—it’s about responsibility, adaptability, and ethical judgement. “Leading Professionals” offers:
Actionable advice: Grounded in research and real-world examples.
Diverse perspectives: Leaders from different industries share their experiences.
Practical tools: Methods for stress management, decision-making under uncertainty, and team dynamics.
Inspiration for emerging leaders: Stories that resonate with professionals at all levels.
Listeners can expect a bi-weekly release schedule, with new episodes dropping every Monday on all major podcast platforms, starting 22 September 2025.
What Listeners Can Expect from Future Episodes
The podcast structure combines expert interviews, academic insights, and practical takeaways. Key topics to be covered include:
Crisis management strategies – how leaders pivot during unpredictable events
Ethical leadership dilemmas – navigating challenging choices with integrity
AI and technological disruption – integrating new tools while retaining human-centric leadership
Resilience techniques – psychological safety, mindfulness, and stress management
Professional development and social impact – creating inclusive, equitable workplaces
Each episode promises thoughtful conversation, actionable guidance, and a lens into the personal reflections of industry leaders.
Insights from Professor Laura Empson
Professor Empson brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical insight to the podcast. Her research spans decades of studying leadership in professional services, including:
Consulting firms
Law practices
Financial institutions
She has advised top-tier organizations globally, using her findings to help executives navigate organizational complexities while maintaining ethical standards and personal well-being. Her work ensures that “Leading Professionals” is not just another business podcast, but a resource for meaningful leadership learning.
The Importance of Ethical Leadership in Today’s World
Modern leaders face unprecedented challenges:
Rapid technological advancement
Geopolitical instability
Public scrutiny and accountability
Ethical dilemmas in decision-making
“Leading Professionals” addresses these challenges head-on, helping executives make informed, morally responsible decisions while balancing business success with ethical considerations. The series encourages leaders to reflect on their personal values, organizational impact, and societal responsibilities.
How the Podcast Can Transform Leadership Practice
By integrating research, expert advice, and personal stories, the podcast offers a blueprint for modern leadership:
Developing self-awareness: Leaders learn to reflect on personal biases and decision-making patterns.
Enhancing team performance: Understanding psychological safety improves engagement and innovation.
Navigating change: Adaptive strategies for a fast-paced, uncertain business environment.
Ethical decision-making: Balancing profit with moral responsibility.
For executives, managers, and aspiring leaders, these lessons are not just theoretical—they are practical tools for day-to-day leadership.
Availability and How to Listen
“Leading Professionals” is available on all major podcast platforms, including:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
Other popular streaming services
Episodes are released bi-weekly on Mondays, ensuring listeners have a consistent schedule for learning and reflection.
Final Thoughts
In a time when many leadership discussions are superficial or self-promotional, Professor Laura Empson’s “Leading Professionals” provides substance, rigor, and practical insight. With a focus on ethics, resilience, and reflective leadership, this podcast is poised to become a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the real challenges of leadership in the 21st century.
Whether you are a seasoned executive or an emerging professional, this series offers actionable strategies, diverse perspectives, and inspiration for navigating the complex world of professional leadership.
