Leadership Journeys [277] – Joe Seddon – “Be delusional about the mission. Be ruthless about the execution.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

What does it really take to build something meaningful when you have no money, no network, and no permission?

In this episode of Choosing Leadership, host Sumit Gupta sits down with Joe Seddon, who built Zero Gravity from his student bedroom with his last £200 and a healthy dose of bold belief.

They unpack the uncomfortable truths about execution, rejection, and why a little “delusion” might be the edge most leaders are missing.

You’ll hear how to cut through distraction, build a culture of accountability, and stay grounded while chasing ambitious goals.

If you’ve been playing it safe, this conversation will challenge you to step up, think bigger, and lead with courage—starting now.

You can find Joe Seddon at the links below

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeseddon/
• https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/

In the interview, Joe shares

• “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Our job as leaders is to close that gap.”
• “Sometimes you have to be a little delusional to build something meaningful—especially when you don’t have money, connections, or permission.”
• “Naivety isn’t always weakness; sometimes it’s the fuel that keeps you moving when the odds say stop.”
• “If you wait until you feel ready, you’ll never start. Real leaders move before confidence shows up.”
• “Cold-calling, handwritten letters, uncomfortable asks—that’s what execution looks like when you have no leverage.”
• “In a world competing for attention, leadership means helping people invest their time in their future, not just their entertainment.”
• “Culture isn’t your values on a wall—it’s whether people actually do what they say they’ll do.”
• “Standing up straight means saying what you intend to do and doing what you said you would do.”
• “Growth doesn’t come from adding more to your day; it comes from changing the context you operate in.”

“Comfort is the enemy of greatness—choosing leadership means choosing discomfort on purpose.”