When It Hits the Fan - The Crying Game

We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in business.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at a huge fan hitter in the business world that you may not even have heard of - but one that goes to the very heart of reputational risk.

And never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It appears the much-loved book and now film, The Salt Path may not be quite what it seems. Does it matter? And if so, who is this a crisis for?

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Published on Wednesday, 9th July 2025.

Available Podcasts from When It Hits the Fan

Subscribe to When It Hits the Fan

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the When It Hits the Fan webpage.