What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation? Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their collaborative edge. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
🔗 Find out more at: www.collaborationequation.com
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: Collaboration Equation
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What does it take to truly collaborate? A conversation with Emma Edwards Deputy CEO of Spotlight Young Onset Parkinson’s and Dawn Harding Trustee of Spotlight YOPD
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 37:47
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
In our conversation with Emma Edwards, CEO of Spotlight Young Onset Parkinson’s and Dawn Harding Trustee of Spotlight YOPD we explore:
What it means to truly collaborate.
What Emma and Dawn have learnt through their leadership and life experiences about the value of collaboration
Why collaboration and partnership are so important to the charity. And the impact of these collaborations on raising awareness of Young Onset of Parkinson’s
What they have noticed in their collaborations, and partnerships, in particular with the NHS, Parkinson’s UK and other communities, and organisations that facilitate successful collaboration
What can sometimes hinder, and get in the way of collaboration
How bringing the mindset and behaviours of Curiosity, Care and Courage helps people find their Collaborative Edge™
And finally what has helped them to find their Collaborative Edge™
Emma and Dawn’s key encouragements to finding your Collaborative Edge:
Build a community through conversations that raise awareness for people, clinicians, family members, and the wider community.
Stretch yourself! You may be a professional in a field, however you can add a huge amount to a lot of small charities who need your skills especially in IT ,Digital and Communication.
Embrace technology, it can help you collaborate and connect with people.
Connect with people who have lived experience, and that's true of all sorts of collaborations.
Enjoy and have fun in your collaborations no matter how difficult and challenging the issues.
Find out more about Spotlight YOPD:
Go to their website, Spotlight YOPD; follow them on LinkedIn, and follow both Emma Edwards and Dawn Harding on LinkedIn. They would love to connect with and to collaborate with you. Dawn especially is on the hunt for people to share their skills with the charity. Also do follow Gaynor Edwards...
Leading with Curiosity, Care & Courage: How to Create a Culture of Trust & Inclusion
Season 1 · Episode 2
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 40:04
Hello, and welcome to the second Collaboration Equation™ episode in Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd.
Today’s guest is Somya Agrawal, Leader, Collaborator and Motivator and the title of our conversation is Finding your Collaborative Edge™.
Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories, and in our Collaboration Equation™ episodes their experience of collaborating and how they find their Collaborative Edge™ to encourage you to bring even more curiosity, care and courage to your leadership.
If you are not already please do subscribe to the podcast, review and share it. Thank you!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In our conversation we talk about the application of Collaboration Equation™ and Somya shares her experience of collaboration and offers valuable insights into:
1. Bringing two teams together to get to know each other, to be able to have an open conversation, and how this fast tracks success.
2. Connecting through being vulnerable in sharing her experience of hearing loss and how this has created meaningful connection with others.
3. Creating psychological safety that invites people to give and ask for help, getting what we need from each other and caring about each other.
4. Building trust through being human and authentic with colleagues.
5. Meeting people where they are at, and making time for everyone to have a voice, and for different thoughts and feelings to be heard.
6. Creating a culture of care and connection whether working online or in person.
Together they share how they met some 18 years ago and realised very early on in their working relationship that starting with and building psychological safety underpins creating cultures of care and connection in which people enjoy connecting, contributing and collaborating.
Curiosity, Care and Courage
They discuss how they partner with senior leaders and their teams helping them to bring the mindset and behaviours of Curiosity, Care and Courage to develop people and drive performance and how these underpin each of the building blocks of their Collaboration Equation™.
Meeting People where they are at, and moving from ‘me to we’
They specialise in meeting people where they are at, on having people well met, and supporting them in leading and driving Collaborative Edge through Inclusive Dialogue, Diversity of Thought and Feeling. And why for them inclusivity comes before diversity, the importance of Inclusive Dialogue, and how language can have a huge impact on how people think, feel and behave.
Open Conversations to get to Collaborative Edge
Their approach is one of helping leaders do their best thinking together, to think differently, to have open conversations in which people feel confident and safe, enjoy Inclusive Dialogue, and can bring Diversity of Thought and Feeling in order to get to Collaborative Edge. The conversations are always in service of enabling performance and driving results through people working together.
The Inclusion Imperative: On and Off the Pitch - A conversation with Jatin Patel, Inclusion & Diversity Director at England Rugby
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, June 19, 2025 • Duration 48:04
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Jatin Patel, Inclusion & Diversity Director at England Rugby, the governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England.
Together we explore:
The role of healthy team culture and collaboration in sport
Why inclusion has to come before diversity with collaboration as a key enabler
The need to get curious about the underlying beliefs shaping our behaviours
Recognising how it feels to meet our own edges and what we need to venture beyond
What is all the excitement about collaboration? A conversation with James Renwick, Recast Coaching Ltd. and Tony Spong Lead Consultant at AAR.
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 • Duration 36:30
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their collaborative edge. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with James Renwick, Recast Coaching Ltd.. Recast Coaching offers a space to reframe your thoughts, renew your energy and reimagine your future; and Tony Spong Lead Consultant at AAR. AAR works with brands to design marketing ecosystems, building inspiring partnerships and driving commercial performance.
Together we explore:
The excitement when collaboration feels right
How growth happens at our edges to help us go beyond our limits
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ – A Short Introduction to Curiosity, Care & Courage
Season 1
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 • Duration 02:47
Welcome to Finding Your Collaborative Edge™, hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd.
This short introductory explainer invites you into the heart of our work—helping leaders, teams, and professionals live and lead with more curiosity, care, and courage.
🔶 Why psychological safety matters in collaboration
🔶 How meaningful connection is built before you’re even in the room
🔶 The role of intention and behaviour in leadership
🔶 The beginnings of our Collaboration Equation™
We created this podcast to help you unlock new ways of working, foster inclusive dialogue, and find your own Collaborative Edge™.
The Power of the Possible - leading with curiosity and commitment: A conversation with Barrie Millett, Security and Resilience Leader, Crisis Management Expert, Collaboration Champion, at Mitie.
Season 1 · Episode 7
Sunday, September 14, 2025 • Duration 36:06
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Barrie Millett, Security and Resilience Leader, Crisis Management Expert, Collaboration Champion, Mitie.
Together we explore:
The fear of appearing to need others - and why real strength lies in connection
The power of self-awareness as the foundation for leadership
Building a circle of trusted confidants who challenge and support you
Why would anyone want to collaborate with you? Leading with Curiosity and Love - A conversation with Di Spindley, Currys + Amy Glynn, Hydrogen Group
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 40:51
What does it take to truly collaborate?
How can leaders create environments where diverse perspectives are valued, trust is nurtured, and meaningful conversations drive innovation?
Finding Your Collaborative Edge™ is a podcast for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to unlock the full potential of collaboration in their organisations and lives.
Hosted by Anni Townend and Lucy Kidd, co-founders of Collaboration Equation™, this show explores the essential elements of psychological safety, inclusive dialogue, and diversity of thought and feeling—helping you cultivate a mindset of curiosity, care, and courage.
Each episode delves into real-world leadership challenges, expert insights, and powerful stories from those who are finding their Collaborative Edge™. Whether you’re a senior leader, team manager, or someone passionate about creating human-centred workplaces, this podcast will inspire you to build connections, embrace difference, and lead with authenticity.
Join the conversation and start your journey towards more impactful, collaborative leadership.
In this episode we are delighted to be in conversation with Di Spindley, Head of Delivery for Technology at Currys and Amy Glynn of Hydrogen group.
Together we explore:
The importance of clarity in creating purposeful collaboration
Bringing the best version of yourself into your collaborations
What it means to build human connection in a virtual world
The value of actively caring for colleagues and leading with love
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To listen to more Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend visit my website www.annitownend.com
A big thank you to Coco O’Brien for the wonderful intro and outro music, for the lovely design and marketing of the podcast and to Tom at Brown Bear Studios for the excellent production of this episode.
A series of questions to prompt conversations that will help you to lead with Curiosity, Care and Courage. Subscribe here.
WHO WE ARE
Lucy Kidd is a leadership team and culture coach, and describes how culture is the wrapping that feeds change and, or stifles it. Lucy’s passion is to help people find meaning and connection in their lives and work.
Anni Townend is a leadership partner to senior leaders and their teams. Anni’s passion is to help leaders create a culture in which people feel safe and able to have open conversations and do their best work. Anni is the author of Assertiveness and Diversity, published in 2007.
Natalie Shering is a leadership coach specialising in creative leadership and using nature in leadership. She is a collaborator with Collaboration Equation™.
How encouragement from others feeds our confidence, courage and self-belief
Jatin’s three encouragements to invite more people to find their Collaborative Edge™:
Start with yourself and seek to understand beyond what you think you already know
Don't underestimate how important being a good listener is to really know the issues deeply
Find the courage to be yourself and let that shine through
ABOUT JATIN:
Jatin has spent 15 years working in the inclusion and social equality space. With a focus on inclusion first – adapting behaviours, decision-making, and ways of working to develop cultures which allow diversity to flourish – Jatin has driven impactful and sustained change in a multitude of sectors. This includes developing policy positions on behalf of charities working to improve education and employment outcomes for young people from low-income backgrounds, embedding systemic focus on social mobility at KPMG UK, to designing and delivering international staff engagement programmes at DLA Piper.
Jatin is presently the Inclusion and Diversity Director at the Rugby Football Union and a member of the organisation’s Leadership Team. In this role, Jatin’s strategic focus is on the improving the experiences and representation of under-represented groups participating across the grassroots and elite end of the game, embedding inclusion into leadership structures in rugby, working with commercial partners to establish collaborative approaches to scaling inclusion and diversity ambitions, and evolving the organisation’s employee life cycle. Outside of Rugby, Jatin is a Non-Executive Director at Sussex County Cricket Club.
In this conversation we referenced the book Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton. Learn more about Chloe here: https://www.chloedalton.uk
Thank you to you, the listener and viewer.
And a huge thank you to Brown Bear Studios for the production of our show, to SHMOGUS Media and Pennywriting for the marketing of it.
Please share, subscribe and continue to join us in Finding Your Collaborative Edge™.
Being in collaboration with AI to create organisational value
Di and Amy’s encouragements to invite you to explore your Collaborative Edge™:
Get comfortable being uncomfortable to discover the growth moments that often come through failing and learning
Trust yourself to discover your own path
Check in with people - be nice!
ABOUT Di and Amy:
Di Spindley has worked in the Retail, Media & Entertainment sectors for 20yrs leading complex transformation programmes ranging from fashion, e-commerce, supply chain, infrastructure and digital. She is currently Head of Delivery at Currys and is passionate about E,D&I Chairing the Tech D&I committee and co-Chairs the Women’s Network.
Amy Glynn has worked in the technology sector for over 6 years, a large portion of this was in DEI ~ growing a global community and helping companies to hire more diversely across technology teams. She now works for Hydrogen Group adding all this experience to workforce solutions for technology clients.
