What if the key to unlocking better leadership isn’t strategy or scale but something far more personal?

In this episode of The Peer Effect podcast, I sit down with Emma Serlin, Founder and CEO of London Speech Workshop, to explore the unexpected ways authenticity can shape your leadership and business.

As both a communication expert and a founder who’s navigated burnout, Emma shares lessons that are as practical as they are profound.

Together, we unpack:

• Why your personal values might be your strongest hiring filter
• How vulnerability and self-awareness can transform team culture
• What to do when your gut says “no” (but your head says “maybe”)
• Tools for shedding shame and owning your story as a leader
• How to reconnect with your purpose when the spark is gone

About Emma Serlin:

Emma Serlin is the Founder and CEO of London Speech Workshop, a leading communication coaching company helping individuals, from CEOs to emerging leaders speak with clarity, confidence, and impact.

She's the creator of The Serlin Method®, a powerful framework for transforming the way people connect through communication. Emma is also a trained life coach, award-winning theatre director, and the author of two fantastic books!

Connect with Emma Serlin on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and the London Speech Workshop.

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What does it take to scale a startup without losing sight of your vision?

In this episode of the Peer Effect podcast, Jonathan Cornelias, shares the lessons learned from building four companies, including Elevent Inc, a marketplace connecting experience providers and companies to deliver unique, memorable virtual and physical experiences.

Jon opens up about the mindset and strategies that have helped him navigate the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to his vision.

Together we’ll dive into:

• Why belief in your idea and finding joy in the journey are essential for long-term success.
• The power of disciplined experimentation, prioritising ideas by impact, confidence, and effort, and iterating step by step.
• Why an effective go-to-market strategy often matters more than product perfection early on.
• How learning from others’ successes and mistakes can shortcut your path to growth.

Jon’s insights will inspire you to embrace challenges, bet on yourself, and stay focused on what truly works for your business!

Connect with Jonathan Cornelias on LinkedIn to follow his journey and learn more about Elevent Inc.

More from James:

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What if work-life balance isn’t the answer?

As founders, the pressure to keep moving forward can feel relentless. But what if the secret to success isn’t sprinting harder, but intentionally slowing down?

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Ryan Bailey, a serial entrepreneur who’s launched 15 startups, one of which sold for $300m, to explore the power of pausing. Kelly has mastered the art of aligning personal and professional success, turning moments of reflection into a framework for sustainable growth.

Together, we dive into:

• Why aligning personal and business goals is critical for long-term success.
• The role of intentional pauses in preventing burnout and fueling creativity.
• Kelly’s “growing forward” method for reflecting and resetting goals.
• How redefining success can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling life—without sacrificing financial growth.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com