.png)
Peer Effect
Best way to scale? Your peers have the answers.
This is the podcast for scaleup founders looking for insightful, actionable wisdom from some of the best operators around. Each week we’ll explore one secret that other founders and experts are using right now and how to implement it.
It’s practical wisdom to build the company AND life you want. Hosted by renowned founder coach and advisor James Johnson.
You’ve survived to £1m, now let’s scale to £10m+.
Peer Effect
Stay Calm and Win: Why Calmness Is Your Competitive Edge with Libby Swan
"I don't want to live a stressed out human experience. And that I think can be a choice."
Libby Swan has run Axioned, a global design consultancy, for 25 years without burning out. Her biggest insight? Staying calm isn't just good for your wellbeing - it's a competitive advantage that makes you a better leader, creates better team dynamics, and leads to smarter decisions.
In today's episode, I'm joined by Libby Swan, CEO and Co-founder of Axioned, a design consultancy with teams across the world. After starting her career at GE and spending years working internationally across India and the US, Libby has built a business rooted in sustainable growth rather than stress-driven hustle. Her journey includes learning from second-generation business owners, navigating the loss of her father-in-law, and discovering that clarity on your values is the foundation for calm leadership.
Together we unpack:
- Why second-generation founders stay calmer and what first-generation founders can learn from them
- How clarifying your value system creates a filter for what actually matters
- The danger of letting emotion drive prioritisation in the wrong direction
- Why ChatGPT can act as a "third person" to de-emotionalise difficult conversations
- How to find the sweet spot between calm leadership and maintaining high standards
👆 If you're a founder feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to hustle harder, or struggling to separate urgent from truly important, this conversation will help you build a calmer, more sustainable approach to leadership.
About Libby Swan
Libby Swan is the CEO and Co-founder of Axioned, a global design consultancy that has been operating for 25 years. With experience spanning corporate roles at GE to building multinational teams across India, the US, and beyond, Libby has developed a leadership philosophy centred on sustainable growth, clear values, and staying calm under pressure. She's proved that you don't need to sacrifice your wellbeing to build a successful business.
Connect with Libby Swan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-swan-axioned-enabling-digital-endeavours/
More from James:
Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com
