Maria: Welcome to another episode of Leader on the Couch. Today’s guest has no LinkedIn profile, no MBA, and yet, possibly more leadership wisdom than half of the FTSE 100. Please welcome… Eddy Wigglebottoms Thunderpaws. At the time of the interview our interpreter who speaks “dog” was on their Summer break, so this podcast is unfortunately available only in this format. 

Eddy: [panting] Thank you, thank you. I’m here, I’m happy, and I may or may not have drooled on your notes. Sorry about that. 

Maria: Tell us a little about yourself Eddy… 

Eddy: Well, where do I begin… I feel I have been very fortunate in my life because I was living in the streets of Spain… very busy place and quite overwhelming… cars, motorbikes, humans, I didn’t know who I could trust… One day I was found by a Charity that rehomes lost souls like me… I made friends there… other doggies and really nice humans. They were looking for a home for me but the fact that I am a Jack Russell and a bit of a rebel didn’t help my situation. Until one day, ma missy filed an application for me. Apparently, she had a thing for Jack Russels! The rest is history. I was put on the Happy Bus together with other like me and after 3 or 4 days of travel I ended up in the UK. 

Maria: What a story… thank you for sharing. So, do you believe that your background has made you more resilient? And what can leaders learn from your experience?

Eddy: 100%. I’ve been stepped on, told “no” a hundred times, and had my favourite stick thrown and never returned. But I always bounce back, literally. Leaders need to remember that setbacks aren’t personal. Shake it off, stretch, and wag your tail at the next opportunity.

Maria: Leaders often struggle with truly listening. How do you approach listening?

Eddy: I listen with my whole body. My ears perk, my tail wags, my eyes soften. I’m not just waiting for my turn to bark. I’m taking in your tone, your mood, your energy. Leaders could try that. Stop formulating your answer in your head and actually hear the human in front of you.

Maria: So… active listening, right?

Eddy: Exactly. And if you tilt your head to the side, people think you’re really interested. Works every time.

Maria: You’re famous for your loyalty. What can leaders learn from that?

Eddy: Loyalty isn’t about blind obedience,it’s about trust. I’ll follow you through storms if you’ve shown me you’ll keep me safe. Leaders earn loyalty by showing up consistently, being fair, and celebrating the small wins, like I do when you come back from taking the bins out. It’s about the little things. Make everything count. 

Maria: Mindfulness is a big buzzword right now. How do you practice it?

Eddy: I’m always in the moment. I don’t dwell on the squirrel I almost caught yesterday or stress about next week’s vet visit. Leaders should learn to be where their paws are. Smell the coffee. Notice the sunshine. And for the love of kibble, put the phone down.

Maria: Any final leadership advice for our readers?
Eddy: Yes, take more walks, nap when you can, and always greet your team like you haven’t seen them in months… even if it’s just been a coffee break. Oh, and treats. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed treat. And don’t cut them in halves. 

Maria: Wise words. Thank you for joining me, and for not chewing the microphone.

Eddy: No promises for next time.