New leadership book promises to ‘challenge conventional thinking’

Two people development experts have published a new book that challenges conventional thinking on leadership.

‘Beyond Small – Five conversations that will change how you lead’ has been written by development experts Naomi Regan and Lyndsey Kitching.

The book highlights that leadership is not defined by frameworks, models or strategy documents, but by the quality of conversations leaders have with their teams.

It draws on the authors’ experience working with more than 1,000 leaders across over 60 organisations spanning the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, supporting businesses through growth, investment and change.

Lyndsey Kitching said: “Leadership has become overcomplicated. We’ve created an industry around tools and theory, yet many leaders are still left wondering what to actually say when it matters most – when performance is slipping, when direction isn’t clear, or when someone needs support.”

Beyond Small Talk focuses on the critical conversations that shape performance, culture and results.

It offers a practical, human approach to leadership that can be applied immediately in real-world situations.

Naomi Regan added: “We want leaders to tell us they used this book and it gave them the confidence to have a conversation they’ve been putting off. We want it to help them see their role differently.

“Our hope is that it doesn’t just change what they do, but also how they think of themselves as a leader and maybe feel a bit lighter in the process.”

Regan and Kitching are co-founders of CAPE People Development, a UK-based leadership consultancy, working with organisations across the country and globally.

Their approach, described as ‘conversation-led leadership’, focuses on building leadership capability through everyday practice rather than one-off training.

Their work has supported founder-led and scaling organisations to move from reactive to proactive leadership, improving clarity, accountability and team performance.

The authors will also be sharing the ideas behind Beyond Small Talk at the upcoming Solihull Chamber Business at Breakfast event on 9 June, focused on building workplace champions.

Beyond Small Talk is now available to purchase online.