Episode 42

Andy Woodfield: Coming out as your best self

Available on these channels and more

What would it take to show and give your absolute best at work? Even having to ask the question suggests there’s something amiss. Perhaps it’s because we’ve been told what we’re not good at, that we’ve forgotten what we are good at. Or we’ve been wearing a mask for so long that it’s all become part of a performance.

Andy Woodfield has spent his career trying to figure out the uniqueness and the dreams of the people he works with. That curiosity leads to powerful human connection and a conversation about what they can do together. The foundation of exceptional teamwork and performance.

Building this culture of inclusion and belonging is not for the faint-hearted. It’s really hard work. Even harder if you have to come out every week as a partner who happens to be gay.

In this podcast, Andy shares his own story of coming out, figuring out his own uniqueness and his place. He describes his ways of discovering the best in other people, methods that have become movements.

This episode is for anyone who is looking to take their performance to the next level, who may feel like they’re not giving their best at work, or who wants to get the best out of their team.

The best bits of these conversations are captured in my newsletter Strategic Leader.

More about Andy

Andy is the Global International Development Leader at PwC, Global Client Partner for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Partner sponsor for the Alumni Network, the Leadership Exchange, and the Shine network (LGBTQ+), and Founder of Liliput Gin.

Andy undertook a two year cycle of experience as the chief sales & marketing officer for PwC UK, transforming the firm’s sales, marketing and client experience capabilities to bring the firm’s people closer to their clients. He was also a 2020 finalist for the MCA Outstanding Achievement Award.

He builds, develops and leads complex, diverse and inclusive leadership teams globally and has published his book This is Your Moment: Find and Follow Your Unique Path in Life and Your Business.

“People perform better when they can be themselves.”

Andy Woodfield, Global International Development Leader, PwC

VIEW RUNNING ORDER

03.44 Coming out at work.
05.42 The risks of coming out.
08.39 The responsibility of being a role model.
10.08 Choosing where to have an impact.
12.10 Being your absolute best.
15.37 Creating a movement.
21.12 Inspiring genius while under pressure.
24.48 Knowing what you’re really good at.
28.26 Actions leaders can take.
34.46 His impact.
37.15 Habits and practices to do great work.
Pia Lauritzen: Connecting through questions

Pia Lauritzen: Connecting through questions

Frances Frei: Fixing hard problems fast

Frances Frei: Fixing hard problems fast

Aga Bajer: Cracking the code on culture

Aga Bajer: Cracking the code on culture

Holger Nils Pohl: Tackling complex problems using visual thinking

Holger Nils Pohl: Tackling complex problems using visual thinking

Paolo Gallo: Mastering your inner journey

Paolo Gallo: Mastering your inner journey

Herminia Ibarra: Mastering career transitions

Herminia Ibarra: Mastering career transitions

Alison Taylor: Taking the Higher Ground

Alison Taylor: Taking the Higher Ground

Morra Aarons-Mele: Turning anxiety into your superpower

Morra Aarons-Mele: Turning anxiety into your superpower

Neil Mullarkey: Communicating with improv

Neil Mullarkey: Communicating with improv

Share This