Human Wise – Details, episodes & analysis

 Recommended Episodes

• Ep48: The Human Side of Risk and Relationships with Alisa Vozyana
• Ep51: The Courage to Create – Finding Your Voice and Sharing Your Wisdom with Alison Jones
• Ep42: From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief – Building Confidence and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Mary Collins 

What does it really mean to become unapologetically you — and how can embracing discomfort lead to deeper growth and authenticity?

In this inspiring episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada sits down with Alison Maitland and Liz Walker, co-founders of Becoming International, to explore what it means to lead and live with authenticity. Together, they unpack how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help leaders break free from old narratives, reconnect with their values, and build the confidence to show up as their full selves — at work and in life.

Helen, Alison, and Liz dive into the uncomfortable, yet transformative, process of growth: learning to notice emotions rather than suppress them, opening the “doors of the castle” to rediscover forgotten parts of ourselves, and recognising that the most human leaders are those willing to be vulnerable.

Whether you’re navigating leadership, change, or self-doubt, this episode offers a powerful reminder that authenticity isn’t something we perform — it’s something we practise.

Topics Discussed

• What it means to be unapologetically human at work
• How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support leadership growth
• The difference between horizontal and vertical development
• Embracing discomfort as a pathway to self-awareness
• Reconnecting with your body and emotions as sources of intelligence
• How authenticity transforms confidence and leadership impact

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Recommended Episodes:

• Ep. 18: Harnessing Change Through Storytelling with Dr. Susanne Evans
• Ep. 33: Navigating Leadership in Turbulent Times with Sophie Turner
• Ep. 41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie Semmes

What if the fastest route to a happier life is to stop chasing happiness altogether? In this episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada is joined by Frank Martela, Finnish philosopher, psychology researcher, and author, to explore why “maximising happiness” can backfire and what to do instead. Together they unpack how meaning is built through small daily choices, why knowing your values protects you from external noise, and how high-trust leadership can create more engaged, human workplaces. It is a grounded, thought-provoking conversation about building a good life and a healthier way of working, especially as we head into a new year.

Topics Discussed:

• Why “stop chasing happiness” is a more effective philosophy than trying to optimise it
• How to build a meaningful life through small choices, connection, and reflection
• A practical exercise to identify what you truly enjoy and where your energy goes
• The hidden cost of living to meet other people’s expectations
• Stable self-esteem, feedback, and how leaders can create safer environments
• Why human connection matters even more in the age of AI

View extended shownotes here 

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Want to master the art of successful business partnerships and unlock the commercial power of human connection at work? In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of procurement, supply chain, and human-centered leadership with industry veteran Stephen Day, Chief Procurement Officer at Kantar Group.

Whether you’re a seasoned sales pro or new to corporate partnerships, Stephen shares eye-opening insights on what buyers really want, how to break through as a trusted partner instead of just a supplier, and the essential “human skills” that AI can never replace. Discover why empathy, curiosity, reframing, and authentic communication are the real “hard skills” of the modern workplace—and how embracing them can move you from lost deals to lasting relationships.

Packed with practical examples, negotiation secrets, and heartfelt stories of career lessons learned, this episode will shift your view of procurement and arm you with the tools to build better business from the inside out. If you’re ready to bring more humanity, confidence, and success to your working world, don’t miss this conversation!

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Human-centered leadership in business
• Commercial advantage of being human
• Importance of empathy at work
• Navigating procurement and partnerships
• Building trusted business relationships

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the secret to more powerful, productive conversations in your professional and personal life by discovering the transformative potential of your own voice. In this eye-opening episode of the Human Wise Podcast, people developer and Voiceprint creator Alan Robertson joins host Helen Wada to reveal how self-awareness, intentional communication, and data-driven tools can dramatically boost your influence and connection with others.

We delve into why most workplace talk happens subconsciously—and how harnessing conscious, considerate communication unleashes better collaboration, trust, and leadership impact. Alan explains his Voiceprint model, which categorizes our conversational approaches into three core “buckets,” and shares actionable strategies to shape your talk for influencing, exploring, or collaborating with colleagues, clients, and teams. Plus, hear practical stories from Alan’s extensive background in industrial relations, people management, and coaching, with relatable tips to address difficult conversations, read the room, and adapt your voice for any situation.

Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or looking to strengthen workplace relationships, this episode equips you with the mindset and methods to become more human—and more effective—at work. Don’t miss this game-changing guide to leveling up your conversations and driving positive change, one voice at a time!

Topics Discussed:

• Effective communication in the workplace
• Developing self-awareness in conversations
• Using data to explore speaking styles
• Building trust through active listening
• Influencing leaders with conversational techniques

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

Building authentic human connections at work is more vital—and more challenging—than ever in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this inspiring episode, host Helen  is joined by Sara Hope, executive coach and founder of The Conversation Space, and rising auctioneer Luke Harris to reveal how powerful, genuine conversations can transform business relationships and accelerate success.

Discover how embracing curiosity, asking better questions, and creating intentional space for real dialogue sets top performers apart—whether you’re leading a team, navigating your first job, or developing client trust in high-stakes sales. Sara shares key lessons from her book on "conversational wisdom" and explains the science and heart behind meaningful connections. Meanwhile, Luke offers a fresh Gen Z perspective, bringing anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey and sharing tips for young professionals on building confidence, resilience, and rapport—even over the phone or in intimidating boardrooms.

Walk away with actionable strategies to foster openness, tackle difficult conversations, and make business development feel natural (instead of scary!). If you want to build impactful relationships and thrive in an evolving workplace, this episode is a must-listen for professionals of any generation.

Topics Discussed:

• Building human connection at work
• Power of authentic workplace conversations
• Importance of curiosity in relationships
• Creating psychologically safe environments
• Developing business development skills

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the commercial power of kindness and transform your workplace culture with practical, research-backed insights on why human connection is the real engine of business success. In this episode, Human Wise host Helen Wada sits down with leadership expert and workplace kindness champion Natalie Semmens, who shares her journey from leading major technology programs at top firms to founding a company devoted to bringing kindness into the heart of organizations.

Discover how acts of compassion drive engagement, retention, and profitability—supported by data, memorable stories, and actionable strategies. Natalie reveals the often-overlooked link between kindness and bottom-line results, why traditional “hard-nosed” business mindsets are outdated, and how even small gestures can spark transformational change for teams and leaders.

Packed with inspiration for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone eager to future-proof their organization, this episode delivers tangible steps you can take today to nurture a kinder, more resilient workforce—without losing sight of commercial goals. Tune in and learn how harnessing the human advantage isn’t just good for people, but great for business.

Topics Discussed:

• Kindness in workplace leadership
• Commercial value of human connection
• Employee engagement and business performance
• Building trust in client relationships
• Impact of technology on human skills

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

What does it take to be an authentic leader who drives results without losing your humanity? In this energizing episode, we unlock actionable leadership insights for today’s fast-paced, people-focused workplace. Our guest, Jason Cotta—newly appointed CEO of Arcturus Group—shares how he rose from shop floor to the boardroom, why emotional intelligence is your superpower in business, and how the next generation is reshaping the rules of work-life balance.

Explore the real challenges of balancing commercial success with employee wellbeing, the crucial role of vulnerability and trust in leading teams, and why courage, curiosity, and humility are essential for sustainable business growth—whether you’re facing tough markets, rapid change, or the everyday pressures of leadership.

Discover practical strategies to build influence, handle power dynamics, and create partnerships rooted in respect and transparency. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and empower others to realize their full potential, this conversation is packed with wisdom and motivation to help you—and your team—thrive.

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered leadership strategies
• Integrating commercial and people priorities
• Navigating power dynamics at work
• Building trust through authentic communication
• Supporting sustainable business growth

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

Unlock the secrets to thriving in today’s high-pressure workplaces by mastering the art of being authentically human at work. In this inspiring episode of the Human Wise Podcast, Helen welcomes Helen Dann, Samsung Electronics’ Head of Talent Development for Europe, whose powerhouse career in learning, development, and coaching spans more than two decades. Together, they unpack why self-awareness is the key ingredient for personal growth, effective leadership, and sustainable business success—especially in the fast-paced, target-driven environments we all navigate.

Helen Dann shares her transformative journey from “fixer” to empowering coach, diving into common workplace pressures, the perils of burnout, and how to foster trust, empathy, and true connection—both within teams and with clients. You’ll learn practical strategies to shift your mindset, lead with confidence, and have richer, more commercially savvy conversations, even in the toughest corporate climates.

Whether you’re a leader, team player, or on your own path to professional growth, this episode will give you actionable insights to show up with purpose and impact. Don’t miss out—discover how putting humanity at the heart of work can radically elevate your performance, relationships, and results!

Topics Discussed:

• Self awareness in professional development
• Coaching skills for business leaders
• Building authentic workplace relationships
• Impact of coaching on team performance
• Human approach in commercial conversations

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

Do you ever wonder how to blend commercial success with authentic human connection at work—especially in today’s fast-evolving, tech-driven world? In this episode, we uncover the secrets to building a meaningful and commercially successful career with Alex Holt, Vice Chair and Global Strategy Leader for Comms, Media, and Technology at Accenture and author of Outpacer.

Helen Wada sits down with Alex to discuss why aligning your personal purpose with your organization and role is key to finding fulfillment—and high impact—at work. Alex shares his insights on bridging UK and US workplace cultures, the art of truly human-centered selling, and why awareness and accountability matter more than ever for growth and leadership. Plus, discover how to navigate risk, master client relationships, and thrive amidst the coming AI revolution.

Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring seller, or simply want to bring more humanity to your 9-to-5, this episode offers actionable strategies and thought-provoking questions to help you create an environment where you can do your best, most devoted work. Plug in for an energizing blend of commercial wisdom and human insight—you’ll leave thinking differently about purpose, sales, and workplace connection!

Topics Discussed:

• Blending humanity into business
• Aligning personal and organizational purpose
• Building trust in sales relationships
• Navigating workplace culture differences
• Human skills in the AI era

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

Unlock the secrets to authentic career growth and transformative hiring in today’s fast-changing job market with this inspiring episode! Join Human Wise host Helen Wada in a candid, in-person conversation with Amy Wolfe, founder of The Wolfe Partnership and executive search expert, as they dive into what it really means to be "human at work." Discover why authenticity, trust, and self-knowledge matter more than ever for both job-seekers and employers—and how you can harness your unique strengths for lasting success.

You’ll learn why career ownership is essential (especially in uncertain times), how to craft your own compelling personal story, and the pitfalls of transactional recruitment. Amy shares actionable tips for candidates who feel stuck—whether you’re sending countless CVs into the void, feeling overlooked by age or circumstance, or striving to stand out beyond buzzwords and job titles. For businesses, she reveals how real connection, purpose, and transparent processes can transform your hiring—and why investing in people is key to thriving.

If you’re looking for practical career advice, want to hire exceptional talent, or simply crave a human-first approach to work, this episode will motivate you to embrace your individuality and build meaningful professional relationships. Don’t miss this must-listen guide to bringing humanity back to work!

Topics Discussed:

• Human side of recruitment
• Building trust through authenticity
• Navigating career transitions successfully
• Impact of technology on hiring
• Importance of professional networking

View the extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/