High Performance, Purpose & the People We Become with Dean Curtis

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In this episode, Dr. Jacob Naish and Gary Peters sit down with Dean Curtis, an incredible leader whose story is as honest, human and impactful as they come.
Dean is Chief Executive Officer at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a division of RELX, one of the UK’s top FTSE 10 companies. He's a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of building high-performing, inclusive teams and is committed to making the world a better place utilising data and technology.
Dean talks so openly about growing up in a council house, building a career without a degree, and the simple philosophy that’s guided him throughout: “You become the people you touch.” His approach to leadership is rooted in energy, integrity and genuine connection, not titles.
He also shares the most difficult chapter of his life: losing his sister to cancer. Helping her write an ethical will for her children reshaped his values, his definition of success, and the way he now lives “two lives every day.”
Expect to hear insights on:
💠 The difference between performance and results and why most organisations get it wrong
🎯 How to stay authentic when the pressure is highest
🧭 Why purpose matters more than job titles
📘 How loss, resilience and reflection can transform the way you lead
🔍 Drains vs radiators — and why the people around you shape everything
🤝 What it means to “touch” people in the right way, every day
This is a grounded, deeply human conversation for anyone leading teams, raising a family, navigating tough moments or simply trying to do their best with what they’ve got.
It stays with you long after it ends. We hope you enjoy it.