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

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

About this episode: Join us for this inspiring Special Encore episode of The Business Elevation Show, where Chris sits down with Dr. John Stahl-Wert, Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership. With three decades of experience in pioneering training solutions and working with organizations worldwide, John has helped businesses achieve outstanding results by investing in their people. In this interview, John shares insights from his international best-sellers, The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses, and discusses his coaching experiences with top-tier companies like Progress Rail (a Caterpillar Company), Pan Pacific Hotel Group (Singapore), and Honda’s North American Lean Network. Learn about John's passion for leadership, his approach to fostering growth and excellence, and his personal journey of forty-two years of marriage with his business partner Milonica. Tune in for a conversation that promises to offer valuable lessons on serving leadership and creating thriving, people-focused organisations.  

About this episode: In this inspiring episode, Chris Cooper interviews Leilani Raashida Henry, leadership consultant, executive coach, and author of The Call of Antarctica: Exploring and Protecting Earth’s Coldest Continent. The book shares the powerful, little-known story of her father, George W. Gibbs Jr., the first person of African descent to set foot on Antarctica, and the lessons his historic journey offers for our lives and leadership today. Drawing on her pioneering work with whole-brain leadership, intuitive tools, and cross-functional team development, we will discuss how Antarctica’s extreme environment and her father’s resilience illuminate what it takes to lead in uncertain times. Together, we will explore how leaders can build resilient “inner ecosystems” that foster thriving cultures, environmental stewardship, and positive societal impact. Whether you are navigating personal change, leading teams in challenging environments, or passionate about protecting our planet, this conversation will

About this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring Special Encore episode, Chris Cooper was joined by four extraordinary members of ‘The Elevation Collective’—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable clay eco-domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group shared personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of gi

About this episode: Join us for a powerful and deeply human conversation with Stevie Ward—keynote speaker, freedom coach, and former professional rugby league captain—who now dedicates his life to helping leaders and teams unlock extraordinary performance while experiencing deep, lasting wellbeing. Stevie’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once a rugby star and captain living his boyhood dream with the Leeds Rhinos, winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and eventually captaining the side. But when a serious brain injury brought his playing career to an unexpected halt at just 27, he faced his toughest opponent yet—himself. Through that life-altering turning point, Stevie discovered a powerful truth: that real strength comes not just from physical prowess, but from presence, vulnerability, and radical self-awareness. During this interview we will discuss his hard-won insights that emerged from his personal reinvention and how to inspire outlandish team spirit, ignite purpose, and foster a freedom t

About this epsiode: In this powerful episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper speaks with Brian Gallagher – former CEO of United Way Worldwide and current Founder of the Leargas Group – about one of today’s most pressing questions: Is capitalism good? Drawing on a life journey from humble beginnings in a steel town to leading one of the world’s most influential non-profits, they discuss insights on inequality, planetary health, and the urgent need to rebuild social capital in our digital age. With deep experience in systems thinking, impact investing, and philanthropy, Brian offers a rare, honest perspective on how we can realign economic models to serve both people and planet. This conversation isn’t just about business – it’s about humanity, purpose, and the kind of future we want to co-create. Essential listening for leaders, changemakers, and anyone committed to meaningful change.   More about Brian Gallagher:   Brian Gallagher is the Founder and CEO of the Leargas Group, an economic and soci

About this episode: In this uplifting episode of the Business Elevation Show, Chris Cooper is joined by Luke Ketterhagen—yoga teacher, wellness guide, blueberry farmer, and faculty member at the Himalayan Institute. From a childhood in rural Wisconsin to studying under a Himalayan master, Luke has spent over two decades teaching yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques around the world. Chris and Luke explore how simple daily practices can transform anxiety into purposeful action, and why now—more than ever—we must tap into our innate tools to regulate our nervous systems, expand awareness, and contribute to a better world. Expect practical wisdom, experiential breathing, and reflections on community, culture, and the joy of picking blueberries. A heartfelt conversation on human potential and amplifying good. More about Luke Ketterhagen: Luke was raised in rural WI by his parents - a couple of ex hippies – an educator and a nurse. Their home was imbued with a passion for spirituality and well

More about this episode: In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Chris Cooper is joined by four extraordinary members of ‘The Elevation Collective’—Molly Bedingfield, Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, Tessa White, and Hilary Wilson—as they reflect on their recent journey to the Global Angels Tsavo Project in Kenya. Led by Global Angels founder Molly Bedingfield, the collective lived in remarkable earth and lime domes, learned about regenerative farming on a 26-acre permaculture farm, and witnessed both the challenges and hope within local communities. From carrying clean water to homes without plumbing, meeting children who rely on the charity for their only meals of the day, and seeing first-hand the transformative power of sustainable development—this was a journey that deeply touched the heart and stirred a strong call to action. Together, the group share personal stories: of a child grasping a hand in trust, of water carried in broken buckets from dirty ponds, of resilience, ingenuity, and the joy of givin