John Amaechi OBE: The psychologist and 'Everyday Jedi' inspiring change

I don’t think there are many organisational psychologists in this world that can claim to be endorsed as a Jedi by Mark Hamill. Professor John Amaechi OBE can. On top of this, John is also an award-winning, international best-selling author, a sought-after public speaker, an executive coach, and the Founder of APS Intelligence.

John’s CV and list of achievements is a fitting testament to this big thinker (and that’s not a reference to his 6 ft. 10 in. stature). Often outspoken, and frequently driven crazy by people who think facts and evidence should bow to opinion, John Amaechi’s talks have garnered millions of views online. His passion for topics including building high-performing teams and effective organisational design that maximises productivity have seen him become a frequently cited LinkedIn influencer and bestowed with the accolade of being a LinkedIn Top Voice since 2020.

We talk to John about being an introvert, securing talent for his business, his passion for winning, and much more.

Here's what we discussed:

• Some people believe that you need to be an extrovert to be successful in business. You’ve described yourself as an introvert, so what would you say to this belief? (00:51)
• Could you tell us what led you to create your business, APS Intelligence? (05:23)
• Was there a figure in your life growing up that embodied leadership to you? (08:01)
• Along with being an introvert, you’ve also described yourself as a lazy person. Why do you feel it’s important to talk about this? (10:18)
• How have you found the experience of securing talent for your business? (14:14)
• Some business leaders get frustrated that their staff don't think the same way that they do. Is this something you've experienced or seen with your clients? (18:26)
• Could you tell us about your funding journey with APS Intelligence? (21:55)
• Could you tell us about your career in the NBA? (23:49)
• Businesspeople are obsessed with the mindset of elite athletes. How do reflect back on the leaders you encountered in your sporting career? (28:01)
• Is there still a negative view of failure or do you notice that people are beginning to see the positives that come with failure? (32:20)
• You deal with a number of business clients at APS Intelligence. Is there a trend that you've noticed among your clients that gets you really excited about the future? (34:57)
• The Good News Postcard: Within your workplace, how do you maintain respect and collaboration with your colleagues? (39:14)
• What makes a great business leader? (41:37)

Thanks to Oliver from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that’s good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world’s leading business figures.

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