In this powerful episode of the Let’s GO –Let’s GROW Podcast, Des Penny dives deep into one of the most common leadership struggles — dealing with criticism, judgment, and other people’s opinions.

Have you ever held back because of what they might think? Been stung by a comment that lingered far too long in your mind? Des is here to remind you: It’s not what they say that defines you – it’s how you respond that sets the course for your future.

You’ll learn:

When feedback matters — and when it absolutely doesn’tThe “Triple R” strategy to handle criticism:Recognise, Reflect, and Refocus Why restraint is true power (with a gold nugget quote from Warren Buffett)Practical tools to build emotional resilience and reclaim your inner voice

Why you are the author of your own life — and how to write your next powerful chapter

This is an episode every leader, creator, and courageous human needs to hear. Because you weren’t born to blend in — you were made to grow forward.

Action precedes clarity.

Let’s GO – Let’s GROW.

Saying YES to Growth: Why Stretching Yourself is Non-Negotiable

In this episode of the Let’s GO – Let’s GROW podcast with Des Penny challenges us to step beyond comfort and into growth. Through personal stories and practical leadership insights, he unpacks why stretching yourself isn’t optional — it's essential.
Learn 5 powerful ways to grow starting today, why action always precedes clarity, and how true leadership demands we stretch first.
If you’re ready to leave the harbour and chase your next opportunity, this is your call to action. Let’s GO — Let’s GROW!

Sponsored by Proteus Leadership — Creating Great Leaders for over 32 years. Visit proteusleadership.com

In this powerful and passionate episode, Des Penny gets fired up — and for good reason.

Tired of the relentless negativity swirling around leadership on social media, Des calls out the rising trend of "leadership bashing" and the damaging culture of blame that’s taking hold in many workplaces. Drawing from over 45 years of hands-on experience in leadership development, he offers a bold and unapologetic defence of leaders who are showing up every day, doing their best, often with little recognition or support.

This is not a sugar-coated pep talk. It’s a raw, real, and necessary conversation about responsibility — both for those leading and those being led. Des challenges listeners to shift their focus, speak up for the good, and stop letting the loudest critics dictate the narrative.

Whether you’re in a leadership role or part of a team, this episode will make you reflect, reassess, and hopefully, recommit to building healthier workplace cultures where respect, accountability, and hope take centre stage.

This one’s for the leaders who care, and the teams who need them.

🎧 Listen now, and if it hits home — share it, post something positive about a leader who’s impacted you, and help flip the script.

Let’s bring leadership back — and let’s grow together.