The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently in the process of talking to leadership figures from across the nation in an attempt to understand this universal trait and what it means in Britain and Northern Ireland today.

In a recent podcast, host Matthew O'Neill spoke with the sales director at IRSAP, Andy Phillips. Andy has worked at the company for eight years and has been Sales Director for three. He is responsible for all sales functions, including field sales, as well as customer services and order processing.

During the interview, Andy spoke about leadership and the role it has played in his career to date. He discussed topics including what leadership means to him, his personal leadership philosophy and what his role models have taught him.

Matthew O'Neill said: “Hosting a show like this, where you speak to genuine leaders who have been there and done it, either on a national stage or within a crucial industry sector, is an absolute honour.”

Lord Blunkett, Chairman of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said: “I think the most informative element of each episode is the first part, where Matthew O'Neill is able to sit down with someone who really gets how their industry works and knows how to make their organisation tick. Someone who’s there day in day out working hard and inspiring others. That’s what leadership is all about.”

Andy said: “Throughout my career, a key priority for me has been to learn from my colleagues and the leadership figures around me and adopt the positive aspects of their approach. It’s important for leaders to encourage others to flourish beside them, to inspire and create a trusting relationship.”