The Level Up Leadership podcast has been awarded Gold in the Leadership Coaching category at the 2026 AVA Digital Awards. This international competition recognises excellence in digital communication, highlighting the most effective and creative work in the industry.

Level Up Leadership was established to provide grounded, practical advice for managers and executives navigating organisational change. Since its launch, the program has focused on human-centred tools rather than abstract theory, addressing topics such as team resilience and leading through disruption.

‘Winning this award is a significant milestone for the show,’ says Lee Whitmore. ‘The podcast began as a space for honest conversations about the realities of leadership. This recognition suggests there is a real appetite for advice that is empathetic, practical, and useful in a daily professional context.’

The AVA Digital Awards is one of the most respected competitions in the digital space: it is judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The Gold award is presented to projects that exceed the high standards of the industry category.

Whitmore attributes the success of the podcast to the high calibre of guests and the engagement of the listening community. ‘While my name is on the entry, this award belongs to the guests who share their expertise and the listeners who provide constant feedback,’ he adds. ‘It motivates us to continue providing high-quality content as we plan our next series.’

Further details regarding the award and future episodes can be found on the official Substack article: https://www.levelupleadership.uk/p/ava-award-2026