John Amaechi OBE: Becoming the Protagonist of Your Own Story 

What does it take to achieve the extraordinary? 

In a truly thought-provoking episode of The Inspiring Leadership Podcast, Professor John Amaechi OBE joins gunnercooke founder Darryl Cooke for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the courage to define your own path. 

From the NBA to the OBE to the PhD: The journey of John Amaechi 

John Amaechi’s story is one of improbable beginnings and extraordinary achievements. From becoming the first British player in the NBA, to being awarded an OBE for his services to sport and inclusion, and later earning a PhD in Psychology, John has continuously defied expectation. 

Yet, as he shares with Darryl, success was never about fame or titles. It was about refusing to let others define his potential and helping others to do the same. 

Becoming the protagonist 

Drawing inspiration from The NeverEnding Story, John recalls how an overlooked child discovers he is the hero of his own tale, the only one who can save a fantastical world. 

That story, John says, mirrors real life. He added: “The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances can become extraordinary, if you are willing to plan and work at it.” 

It’s a message of empowerment, self-determination, and courage, one that resonates deeply with leaders navigating uncertainty and change. 

The true privilege of leadership 

Throughout their conversation, Darryl and John explore what leadership really means today. They discuss: 

• The privilege of leadership and the responsibility it carries 

• The impact of leadership on mental health in the workplace 

• Why the best leaders are those who accept they are never a finished product. 

John’s reflections are laced with humour, honesty, and deep psychological insight. He reminds us that leadership is not about perfection, but about awareness, of ourselves, our influence, and the stories we tell. 

John goes on to add: “Leaders who are properly, authentically connected to others, who are unafraid to give them thoughtful and direct feedback. You know, that’s where magic happens.”   

Recorded live at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, this episode is an experience that will leave listeners inspired to see themselves and their lives differently.  

You can listen to the full episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and watch the full episode on YouTube.