People Predictions for 2026: The Future of Leadership and High-Performing Teams with Amplified Group’s Sophie Matthews, Nat Falconer, Mikael Nilsson and Logan Black

People Predictions for 2026: The Future of Leadership and High-Performing Teams with Amplified Group’s Sophie Matthews, Nat Falconer, Mikael Nilsson and Logan Black

Author: JBM, James Mitra December 10, 2025 Duration: 43:53
What does the year ahead really hold for leaders, founders and people teams? In this special 40 Minute Mentor roundtable, James Mitra is joined by Amplified Group’s people experts, Sophie Matthews, Nat Falconer and Mikael Nilsson from Foundation Partners, and Logan Black from Unleashed, to explore the biggest people and talent trends shaping 2026. From leaner organisations and the rise of fractional talent, to more focus on high-performing cultures, the team unpack what high performance will actually look like next year, and why middle managers may become the most influential layer in your organisation. If you’re looking to scale your team, embed new technology or simply want no-BS guidance on hiring and retaining top talent, then this episode is for you.  📚Episode Chapters: ➡️ The rise of leaner and more efficient teams [05:10] ➡️ AI hype vs reality [12:00]  ➡️ Defining high performance [25:45]  ➡️ The biggest people challenges heading into 2026 [31:00]  ➡️ What top candidates are really looking for [35:00]  ➡️ Bold people predictions for the year ahead [40:00]  🔍 Find out more:  ✨ Find out more about Foundation Partners ✨ Find out more about Unleashed ⭐Enjoyed this episode? ⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also like: Murvah Iqbal on scaling one of Europe’s fastest-growing startups and disruption a billion dollar industry with Hived Tamara Lohan MBE on scaling the iconic Mr & Mrs Smith travel brand from idea to exit  Andrew Richardson on building high-performing businesses & leadership teams with Amplified Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

40 Minute Mentor
Podcast Episodes
A VC Roundup - Raising from VCs & getting into the industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
“This is a long partnership. We’re here to return money to our investors, but we are also here to experience a very unique journey together. So, trust is very important, on both sides.” We’ve been so lucky to have some o…
Gideon Valkin: From ClearScore & Monzo to building a $12m solo GP fund [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
“Founders deserve Investors that have relevant operating experience, time to help them and can be impartial and objective in the advice they give.” Today’s 40 Minute Mentor is Gideon Valkin, former Monzo and ClearScore C…
The Do’s & Don’ts of Public Relations for Startups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:04
“It very often feels uncomfortable for Founders to put themselves out there in that way. But the more you do it, the easier it will get.” In this 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re covering a topic critical for every early-…
Scarlett McCabe & Lewis Iwu: The power of debating & disagreeing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:41
“[Debating] teaches you to listen, to challenge well, and it teaches you all the skills that you need to be able to be in any room at any time, with anyone.” The world seems more divided than ever before. But is it actua…
Amy Gallo: Conflict Management & How to get along with your colleagues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:04
“If you’re in a situation where you’re dealing with [a difficult boss], I think the question is - am I actually getting something from this? And if the answer is ‘no, I’m getting nothing’, then it’s time to really think…
The Best Bits of Season 11 - A Mentorship Roundup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:08
That’s a wrap on Season 11 of 40 Minute Mentor and 12 weeks of non-stop pocket-sized mentorship. Our guests over the last 12 weeks have candidly shared the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and shared the advice they wis…