Power In Excellence

Епизоди

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  The Unseen Advantage 8: Influence 03.06.2026 32мин

  Why do intelligent people follow the crowd? Why do we trust some people instinctively and distrust others? How can a teenager with a smartphone influence millions of purchasing decisions? And how did ordinary people become involved in one of the most disturbing tragedies of the twentieth century? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, Dr John McMahon explores the psychology of influence—the invisible force shaping our decisions, beliefs, relationships, leadership, and behaviour every day. D...
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  The Interview: Haleh Fardi CVO ProCFO Partners 21.05.2026 28мин

  The Interview: Haleh Fardi, Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, ProCFO Partners What does a CFO actually do—and why do so many organisations wait too long to bring one into the business? In this episode of the Power in Excellence Podcast, Dr John sits down with Haleh Fardi, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of ProCFO Partners, for a candid discussion about the evolving role of the CFO and the strategic value that financial leadership brings to organisations. Together, they ex...
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  The Unseen Advantage 7: Identity 08.05.2026 24мин

  We like to think we know who we are. But what if that “identity” is less of a truth… and more of a story that our brain has rehearsed so often, it stopped asking whether it’s accurate? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, Dr John explores one of the most powerful—and limiting—psychological forces shaping our behaviour: identity. Why do we stay stuck in patterns that no longer serve us? Why do capable people underperform in environments where they should thrive? And why does change feel so...
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  The Interview: Shivana Laughlin, CEO International Shipping Limited 05.05.2026 31мин

  What does it really take to lead when the pressure isn’t just professional… but personal? In this episode of the Power in Excellence Podcast, Dr John sits down with Shivana Laughlin, CEO of International Shipping Limited in Trinidad and Tobago, for a candid conversation about leadership in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. This isn’t just a story about business. It’s a story about legacy. Shivana leads a company founded by her parents—stepping into a role shaped by history, e...
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  The Unseen Advantage 6: The Illusion of Control 17.04.2026 24мин

  Why do smart, capable people keep pushing harder… and still not get the result? In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, Dr John explores one of the most subtle and costly traps in leadership, performance, and decision-making: the illusion of control. Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Ellen Langer, alongside behavioural science from gambling psychology and organisational performance, this episode unpacks why effort often feels like progress—even when nothing is actually changing. Thro...
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  The Unseen Advantage 5: Conflict 23.03.2026 24мин

  Conflict isn’t the problem. Avoided conflict is. In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, Dr John explores why the most effective teams don’t avoid disagreement — they use it to think better, decide faster, and perform at a higher level. Because behind every tense meeting, awkward silence, or “let’s take this offline” moment… there’s usually something more important going unsaid. You’ll discover: The critical difference between task conflict and relationship conflict — and why one improves pe...
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  The Unseen Advantage 4: Trust 04.03.2026 27мин

  In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, we explore why trust is not a soft leadership virtue but the invisible infrastructure of every organisation. When trust is strong, teams speak openly, surface problems early, and collaborate freely. When it weakens, conversations become cautious, ideas arrive pre-packaged, and silence quietly replaces candour. Dr John explores the three levels of organisational trust: • Interpersonal trust – the trust between individuals and managers • Team trust – the...
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  The Interview: Stefan Farrugia, CEO Eunoia 23.02.2026 25мин

  Power is shifting. Quietly. Rapidly. Subtly. In this episode of Power in Excellence, I’m joined by Stefan Farrugia, CEO of Eunoia, for a conversation that moves far beyond the predictable “AI is coming” narrative. Yes, we explore artificial intelligence — but not through fear or hype. What should we really be concerned about? Is it job displacement — or something more subtle? Is the true risk technological… or deeply human? Stefan brings a calm, strategic lens to the conversation, cutting thr...
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  The Interview: Hon. David Agius MP 19.02.2026 27мин

  What does power look like when it isn’t loud? In this episode of Power in Excellence, I sit down with the Hon. David Agius, MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Malta, to explore the psychology of authority at the very centre of democratic life. From maintaining strict neutrality in a politically charged chamber to presiding over heated debate with composure and control, we unpack what it truly means to hold institutional power — and not be consumed by it. We discuss: The real role of a Dep...
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  The Unseen Advantage 3: Power - The Invisible Force 16.02.2026 28мин

  In this episode of The Unseen Advantage, we explore the invisible force beneath every professional relationship: asymmetry. The moment someone’s opportunity, evaluation, or reputation is shaped by your judgement, power enters the room — and it quietly changes behaviour. You’ll discover: The different bases of power (French & Raven, 1959) and how they operate in teamsWhy authority subtly changes your cognition and reduces friction (Keltner et al., 2003)How power narrows perspective-taking ...
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  The Unseen Advantage 2: The Perception Game 29.01.2026 28мин

  Leadership isn’t what you do. It’s what people believe you’re doing. In Episode 2 of The Unseen Advantage, leadership psychologist Dr. John McMahon exposes the perception game behind influence. Discover how people judge leaders in seconds, why intent doesn’t equal impact, how reputation quietly forms, and why presence speaks louder than strategy. If you’ve ever wondered why some leaders command instant respect while others struggle to be heard, this episode reveals the psychological forces sh...
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  The Unseen Advantage 1: The Inner Leader 22.01.2026 38мин

  Before you lead others, you are always leading yourself. In Episode 1 of The Unseen Advantage, Dr. John McMahon explores the inner psychology driving leadership behaviour. Discover how personal identity, emotional inheritance, nervous system patterns, and hidden self-stories shape how you lead under pressure. Learn why self-awareness alone isn’t enough, how unconscious protection drives control or avoidance, and how mature leaders build inner stability that earns outer trust. If leadership fe...
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  Breaking Free: Overcoming the Cycle of Learned Helplessness 08.10.2024 23мин

  Stuck in a cycle of self-doubt? In this episode of Power In Excellence, we explore the concept of learned helplessness—why repeated setbacks make us feel powerless and how this mindset impacts our lives. Join us as Dr John breaks down the science behind learned helplessness and offers practical, proven strategies to reclaim control and build resilience. If you're ready to stop feeling defeated and start taking charge, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward overcom...
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  Procrastination Unmasked: Why We Delay and How to Stop 01.10.2024 20мин

  Tired of watching the clock tick away while your to-do list grows longer? In "Procrastination Unmasked," Dr John takes a dive deep into the fascinating psychology behind why we put things off and how to break free from the cycle of delay. Featuring expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable strategies that will empower you to conquer procrastination once and for all. Whether you're a chronic procrastinator or just looking to boost your productivity, this episode is your ultimate guide...
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  How Colors Shape Your Mind, Mood, and Life! 09.08.2024 15мин

  Colour doesn’t just decorate reality. It manipulates it. In this episode, Dr John examines the science behind how colours alter mood, trigger emotion, and influence behaviour. He explores the evolutionary roots of our responses to red, blue, green, and beyond — and how these associations are leveraged in leadership, marketing, politics, and performance environments. You’ll discover why certain colours increase perceived authority, why others foster trust, and how subtle shifts in palette can ...
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  Why do we smile? 30.07.2024 22мин

  Why do we smile — even when we don’t feel like it? And why does someone else’s smile instantly change how we feel? In this episode, Dr John dives into the science of smiling. He explores its evolutionary purpose, its neurological effects, and the subtle social messages embedded in that simple upward curve of the mouth. You’ll learn how smiling influences trust, attraction, leadership presence, and even your own mood chemistry. More than a reflex, a smile is a signal — and a strategic one at t...
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  Is it wrong to be right? 22.08.2023 41мин

  Being right feels good. Really good. In fact, your brain rewards it. Your ego defends it. Your tribe reinforces it. And your identity may depend on it. In this episode, Dr John dissects our addiction to being right — the evolutionary wiring, social reinforcement, and psychological ego-protection that make certainty intoxicating. He explores why debates escalate, why leaders double down, and why admitting error can feel like a personal attack. But here’s the twist: being wrong is one of the fa...
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  We are all liars Pt2 23.06.2023 19мин

  s it ever acceptable to “polish the truth” on a job application? Or is that just lying with better lighting? In this episode, Dr John responds to a listener who asks what many people quietly wonder: when does self-promotion become deception? From embellished CVs to inflated achievements, he explores why smart, ambitious people convince themselves that bending the truth is harmless — and why it rarely is. You’ll also learn why most people are terrible lie detectors, what actually happens in th...
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  We are all liars 21.06.2023 19мин

  Everyone lies. The question is: why… and how good are we at spotting it? In this episode, Dr John dives into the uncomfortable psychology of deception. What happens in your brain the first time you lie? Why does it get easier the second time? And why are intelligent, successful leaders often the most convincing liars in the room? You’ll discover what neuroscience reveals about dishonesty, why most people dramatically overestimate their ability to detect lies, and how subtle behavioural cues c...