E154 - Kevin Ellis: Building a culture that motivates talent

This is the last episode in our CEO Series, in which we will be deep diving into what it takes to be a CEO.

Kevin Ellis is Chair and Senior Partner of PwC UK. Starting his career as a graduate, he has now worked for PwC for 38 years. In this episode they discuss Kevin's experiences of leadership, touching on the importance of nurturing a culture that motivates talented people, accepting difficult feedback, and creating a legacy by lifting others up - ensuring the success of the business for generations to come. 

They also discuss the importance of respect, acknowledging everyone in your team and engaging with people at the start of their careers. Kevin shares that the best part of his role is the meaning he finds in helping others.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

### High Performance Podcast Transcript with Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC UK

**Introduction**

* Jake Humphrey introduces the final episode of the PwC CEO Series, featuring Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC UK.
* Kevin has worked for PwC for 38 years, starting as a graduate.
* They will discuss Kevin's experiences of leadership, including nurturing talent, accepting difficult feedback, and creating a legacy.

**Key Points**

* **Nurturing Talent:**
* Kevin emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that motivates and engages talented individuals.
* He believes in listening to the brightest person in the room and empowering people to contribute their ideas.
* Respecting and acknowledging everyone in the team is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment.

* **Accepting Difficult Feedback:**
* Kevin acknowledges that everyone receives difficult feedback, and it's essential to be open and honest about it.
* He highlights the importance of learning from feedback and using it for personal and professional growth.
* He encourages leaders to be vulnerable and share their own experiences with feedback.

* **Creating a Legacy:**
* Kevin emphasizes the significance of building a legacy by lifting others up and ensuring the success of the business for generations to come.
* He believes in developing and promoting talent from within the organization.
* He stresses the importance of social mobility and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

* **Balancing Work and Personal Life:**
* Kevin acknowledges the challenge of balancing work and personal life, especially for those in leadership positions.
* He encourages leaders to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being.
* He believes that success comes from networks, making friends, and maintaining human contact.

* **The Role of Respect:**
* Kevin emphasizes the importance of respect in the workplace.
* He believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their position or background.
* He encourages leaders to create a culture of respect and dignity.

**Conclusion**

* Kevin concludes by expressing his gratitude to PwC for sponsoring the CEO Series and for sharing their purpose of building trust and solving important problems.
* He highlights PwC's global strategy, The New Equation, which combines technology with human ingenuity, passion, and experience to deliver intelligent, sustained outcomes.

**Additional Points**

* Kevin discusses the challenges of making decisions that impact the lives of tens of thousands of people and the importance of having the right people around him.
* He emphasizes the need for leaders to be self-aware and recognize their blind spots.
* He shares an anecdote about the importance of being present and attentive in meetings and interactions.
* He explains PwC's decision to encourage employees to go home at lunchtime on Fridays to promote work-life balance and mental health.
* Kevin highlights the importance of playing to win in business, but with a long-term perspective, focusing on sustainability and legacy.
* He emphasizes the need for leaders to be positive and create energy, rather than dwelling on negativity.

# Navigating Leadership: A Conversation with Kevin Ellis, Chair and Senior Partner of PwC UK

In this episode, we delve into the world of leadership with Kevin Ellis, Chair and Senior Partner of PwC UK, who has spent 38 years with the company and witnessed significant transformations. Our discussion centers around the key aspects of effective leadership and the importance of nurturing a culture that motivates talented individuals.

1. **Fostering a Supportive and Motivational Culture:**

- Kevin emphasizes the significance of creating a work environment where talented people feel valued, respected, and motivated. He believes that leaders should prioritize the well-being and growth of their team members to drive success.

- He highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual contributions, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing opportunities for employees to learn, develop, and advance within the organization.

2. **The Value of Constructive Feedback:**

- Kevin stresses the importance of accepting and embracing constructive feedback as a means to improve and grow as a leader. He encourages leaders to seek out feedback from their teams, peers, and mentors to gain valuable insights into their strengths and areas for development.

- He emphasizes the need for leaders to be open-minded and receptive to feedback, even when it is difficult to hear. By actively listening and considering different perspectives, leaders can identify areas where they can enhance their leadership skills and positively impact their teams.

3. **Leaving a Lasting Legacy:**

- Kevin believes that leaders should strive to leave a lasting legacy by lifting others up and empowering them to succeed. He encourages leaders to focus on developing their team members and creating a culture where everyone feels supported and has the opportunity to thrive.

- He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and coaching others, sharing knowledge and expertise, and creating a supportive network where individuals can learn from each other and grow together.

4. **The Power of Respect and Engagement:**

- Kevin highlights the importance of treating everyone in the team with respect, regardless of their role or position. He believes that leaders should engage with people at all levels of the organization, creating a sense of inclusivity and fostering open communication.

- He encourages leaders to be approachable and accessible, demonstrating genuine care for their team members' well-being and concerns. By creating a culture of respect and engagement, leaders can build strong relationships and inspire their teams to perform at their best.

5. **Finding Meaning in Helping Others:**

- Kevin reflects on the most fulfilling aspect of his role as a leader, emphasizing the meaning he finds in helping others. He believes that leaders have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the lives of their team members and the wider community.

- He encourages leaders to seek opportunities to mentor, coach, and guide others, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their goals. By focusing on the well-being and success of those around them, leaders can create a positive and fulfilling work environment.

Overall, the conversation with Kevin Ellis provides valuable insights into the qualities and practices of effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing a supportive culture, embracing constructive feedback, leaving a lasting legacy, treating everyone with respect, and finding meaning in helping others. By adopting these principles, leaders can inspire their teams, drive success, and create a positive impact on their organizations and communities.