Why a Chocolate Bar Can Be as Valuable as a Pay Rise: Leadership Expert on What Your Team Wants!

In this powerful and practical podcast episode, international speaker and leadership expert Nigel Risner joins us for a no-nonsense, deeply insightful discussion about what really matters in business, leadership, and life. From the surprising importance of biscuits and barista-style coffee in the workplace, to the undeniable power of presence, praise, and human connection, this is one of the most engaging conversations you’ll hear all year.

Nigel breaks down the difference between leading people and managing things, offering real-world advice for business leaders, team managers, HR professionals, coaches, and anyone responsible for developing a positive and productive workplace culture. He shares why many leadership failures stem not from a lack of care, but from a fear of hearing what employees actually need—and why good tea, great biscuits, and authentic recognition often matter more than a pay rise. We explore how to give effective feedback using his concept of “feedforward,” how to create lasting team connection through small, consistent gestures, and why recognition must be immediate to be impactful. This episode dives deep into leadership philosophy, employee engagement, communication, emotional intelligence, and how to manage energy—not just time. Nigel also shares his personal stories, from the lessons he learned after stepping away from a finance company to his transformative realisations about being truly present with family.

He opens up about forgiveness, resentment, and how carrying emotional baggage—whether in work or relationships—can sabotage success. You’ll discover the 9-minute rule he lives by, how to handle conflict constructively, and why walking side-by-side might be the most effective coaching method. This conversation is essential viewing for anyone who leads, influences, or inspires others—whether in a corporate setting, educational environment, or personal relationship. It’s filled with practical tools, compelling anecdotes, and mindset shifts that can change the way you show up at work, at home, and in life.

If you’re looking to improve team morale, build stronger leadership habits, boost communication skills, and create a culture of appreciation and psychological safety in your organisation, this is the podcast episode you cannot afford to miss. Topics covered include: leadership vs management, creating meaningful workplace culture, recognition strategies, employee wellbeing, effective coaching techniques, team communication, emotional resilience, ego and decision-making, personal accountability, and the importance of forgiveness in leadership. Don’t just manage your team—lead them. And maybe… bring biscuits.