In today’s world of work, it’s too easy to forget that Human Resource are actually Human People. This podcast gives you fresh perspectives on leadership, teams, change, diversity and values, as well as actionable ideas to make working with other humans better for everyone, because I believe that well-being at work is a basic human right.
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In this episode, we're rethinking leadership with Nicholas Janni, author of “Leader As Healer” and teacher at IMD Business School and the University of Oxford Said Business School. Nicholas introduces the revolutionary concept of leaders as healers, advocating for a shift from the hyper-rational, imbalanced corporate norms that prioritize doing over being. He shares how integrating emotional intelligence and deep personal connections can transform leadership effectiveness.
Join us as Nicholas shares how embracing our whole selves helps businesses and the people who work in them can thrive together.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it on Apple or Spotify. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
The critical role of leaders in addressing global crises through deep personal and emotional connection.
How fostering emotional openness and vulnerability can transform leadership effectiveness and workplace dynamics.
Integrating meditative and somatic practices to elevate leaders' perceptual fields and empathy levels.
The substantial business benefits of emotionally intelligent leadership, from engagement to profitability.
The necessity of taking a leadership approach that prioritizes emotional authenticity for transformative change.
How physical awareness and presence enhance leaders' decision-making capabilities and overall effectiveness.
Creating organizational cultures that foster resilience and satisfaction.
Nicholas’ view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
“Emotional the cultivation and welcoming of emotional authenticity. People being allowed to say how they're really feeling and being unconditionally met. There's nothing wrong with feeling frightened, sad. I think without that you'll never have well pay.”
What "working with humans" means to Nicholas
“It means working with the full spectrum of who we are. And most workplaces in my great, extensive experience, function on a very small spectrum of who we really are.”
The Art of Spontaneous Communication (Rebroadcast)
Episode 116
Monday, April 1, 2024 • Duration 37:30
We've all been there: put on the spot during a meeting and found ourselves tongue-tied. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of spontaneous communication head-on. I'm joined by Matt Abrahams, who is a Lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and the host of the “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” which draws in millions of listeners per episode. His TEDx Talk has captivated a global audience, and his latest book is titled, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot.”
Today, Matt shares his insights into preparing for those unscripted moments, managing speaking anxiety, and mastering the mindset shifts critical for effective communication. We'll cover practical strategies for nailing Q&A sessions and confidently handling challenging conversations.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it on iTunes or Spotify. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
· How preparation paradoxically improves your ability to speak spontaneously
· Making your message resonate and be memorable
· Creating a personalized anxiety management plan to reduce speaking anxiety
· A critical mindset shift that improves communication quality and effectiveness
· Reframing errors as learning opportunities to improve communication skills
· How improving our listening skills can make spontaneous speaking more effective
· Mastering Q&A sessions by engaging with people who are opposed to your ideas
· Methods for handling difficult questions in tricky scenarios
The Art of Spontaneous Communication
Episode 107
Monday, November 20, 2023 • Duration 36:44
We've all been there: put on the spot during a meeting and found ourselves tongue-tied. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of spontaneous communication head-on. I'm joined by Matt Abrahams, who is a Lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and the host of the “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” which draws in millions of listeners per episode. His TEDx Talk has captivated a global audience, and his latest book is titled, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot.”
Today, Matt shares his insights into preparing for those unscripted moments, managing speaking anxiety, and mastering the mindset shifts critical for effective communication. We'll cover practical strategies for nailing Q&A sessions and confidently handling challenging conversations.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it on Spotify or iTunes. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
· How preparation paradoxically improves your ability to speak spontaneously
· Making your message resonate and be memorable
· Creating a personalized anxiety management plan to reduce speaking anxiety
· A critical mindset shift that improves communication quality and effectiveness
· Reframing errors as learning opportunities to improve communication skills
· How improving our listening skills can make spontaneous speaking more effective
· Mastering Q&A sessions by engaging with people who are opposed to your ideas
· Methods for handling difficult questions in tricky scenarios
Transforming Work Through Creativity
Episode 106
Monday, November 6, 2023 • Duration 42:15
Have you hit a creative roadblock at work? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore how creativity becomes the cornerstone for innovation, helping businesses to thrive amidst rapidly changing trends and disruptions. It’s not about wild ideas. It’s about building an environment where creativity thrives at every desk.
This episode features Adam Kingl, an expert in reshaping how we think about leadership and strategy in the business world. Adam has influenced the minds of business leaders at prestigious institutions such as London Business School, Hult International Business School, and Imperial College Business School. He also regularly contributes as a writer and expert interviewee to The Financial Times, Sunday Times, Forbes, Fortune, The Guardian and Fast Company.
Drawing on and his latest book "Sparking Success", we explore strategies that can help leaders remove the creativity blockers and spark a cultural shift towards continuous innovation. From rethinking entrenched company practices to empowering teams to think differently, Adam offers a roadmap for people who want to lead with creativity at the forefront.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it on Spotify or iTunes. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
· Leadership’s pivotal role in igniting organizational creativity.
· Challenging dated assumptions that hinder management innovation.
· The linguistic insight into “to manage” and its cultural impact on creativity.
· Identifying organizational habits that dampen innovation.
· Striking a balance between productivity and creative growth.
· Tactics for leaders to build creativity-focused workspaces.
Meaningful Career Conversations
Episode 105
Monday, October 23, 2023 • Duration 39:42
Looking to improve the quality of your career conversations at work? This episode dives into practical topics like the role of managers in employee development, common challenges like fear of feedback, and actionable insights to overcome challenges that often come up.
My guest, Antoinette Oglethorpe, brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having worked with organizations such as Accenture, the World Health Organization, and the NHS. She's also the author of the book "Confident Career Conversations," which serves as a comprehensive guide for enhancing employee development through meaningful dialogue.
You'll walk away with practical advice and strategies for making career conversations a valuable part of your organization’s culture.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it onSpotifyoriTunes. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
How focusing on "employability" and "enjoyability" improves the quality of the career conversation.
How managers can initiate and guide career conversations.
Addressing the common challenges managers face, such as lack of time or fear of giving feedback.
Ways HR can support managers and employees in having meaningful conversations.
Strategies for incorporating career conversations into performance reviews and employee onboarding.
Strategies to tackle the fear of feedback from both managers and employees.
How to navigate sensitive topics like job security and career transitions.
Simple techniques to implement immediately for improving communication.
How career conversations contribute to employee wellbeing and organizational health.
Antoinette's view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
Decoding and Dealing with Toxic Behaviors (Rebroadcast)
Episode 104
Monday, October 9, 2023 • Duration 43:11
Why do toxic behaviors persist in workplaces despite efforts for a healthier work culture? Find out how to discern healthy behaviors from toxic ones and learn what you can do to cope successfully with toxic relationships and environments.
Anna Eliatamby is a clinical psychologist and workplace well-being expert who has played a pivotal role in developing mental health, responsible leadership and well-being strategies for global organizations, including the UN, International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and PwC. She is the Director of HealthyLeadership CIC, a collective that encourages individuals and organizations to foster decency and make positive changes. Anna is also the author of the Decency Journey Series, a collection of compact and practical pocketbooks designed to help individuals flourish in their careers and workplaces.
Originally aired as episode 96.
If you enjoy the show, please rate it onSpotifyoriTunes. Your ratings help more people like you discover the podcast!
Episode Highlights
2:56 Why do people engage in toxic behavior?
6:22 The combination of toxic behavior and positive intent
9:37 Impacts of toxic behavior
12:32 Toxic behaviors can cause inadvertent self-sabotage
14:44 The difference between holding someone accountable and blaming
17:31 The mindset behind toxic behaviors
19:55 Assessing our own toxic tendencies
26:08 Critical skills and expectations for confronting toxic behaviors
Cults, Corporates, and Breaking the Burnout Cycle
Episode 103
Monday, September 25, 2023 • Duration 44:39
Ever questioned if your office vibes feel a bit too 'cultish'? Or maybe you think burnout is just an individual failing? Petra Velzeboer, a psychotherapist, CEO, and author of "Begin With You," who was born into a notorious cult, brings clarity to the gray areas of workplace dynamics, exploring the fine line between a demanding job and a toxic work culture.
This episode examines both organizational and individual sources of workplace toxicity. It includes discussions on hard-hitting topics such as the role of leadership in employee burnout, the importance of setting explicit boundaries in hybrid work environments, and the need for open dialogues about mental health to prevent larger issues down the line. This episode is not just a discussion but a call to action, offering practical steps for individual and organizational change.
Episode Highlights
The uncanny similarities between cult dynamics and toxic workplace cultures.
The role of leadership in either preventing or fueling employee burnout.
Exploring the complexities of "burnout" beyond just workload, including its ties to personal history and societal norms.
Unpacking the psychological toll of conforming to toxic workplace cultures, and how to break free.
Why focusing solely on mental health symptoms is a missed opportunity, and what conversations we should be having instead.
The nuanced approach to setting boundaries in a world increasingly blending work and home.
What it really means to be "fully present" for your colleagues, and why it's more critical than ever.
Tips for fostering mental well-being in hybrid and remote work environments, and why it's not just an HR issue.
How a leader's openness about personal struggles can pave the way for a more supportive work environment.
The hidden pitfalls of following society's blueprint for success, and what you could consider doing differently.
For more episodes that give you fresh perspectives and actionable ideas for making working with other humans better for everyone, visit our website at
Coaching That Really Works
Monday, September 11, 2023 • Duration 59:40
With employee disengagement at alarming levels despite significant investments in training leaders in coaching skills, there's a pressing need to reevaluate and get practical about making coaching truly effective for people in managerial roles. This episode zeroes in on how to address this gap, introducing insights and tools for leaders to genuinely engage and empower their teams.
Dominic Ashley-Timms, CEO of Notion, has firsthand experience across 37 countries, providing a fresh and nuanced perspective on leadership, culture, and organizational transformation. Having co-authored "The Answer Is a Question", Dominic brings an innovative approach to everyday coaching, rooted in the STAR® model he co-created.
Episode Highlights
The vital role of questions and their effectiveness.
Crafting questions that stimulate constructive thought processes.
Advanced questioning techniques for seasoned managers.
External cues (also called triggers) and their role in influencing behavioral shifts.
Molding triggers to fit seamlessly into a manager’s coaching approach.
Pinpointing moments ripe for coaching interventions.
Addressing the knowledge gap in framing effective questions.
The strategy behind intentional questioning.
Exploring question facets: their classification, delivery, and timing.
Varied question styles for clarity, comparison, and an outward focus.
Emphasizing the need for pause, reflection, and then ask the right question.
This special episode offers a reflective journey through eight of the most popular conversations from the first 100 episodes of Humans At Work. Starting with Zana Goic Petricevic's profound insights on workplace well-being, and ending with Judd Hoekstra's riveting story about handling pressure, this collection covers themes essential to professional and personal growth. You'll hear a fascinating take from Jessica Grossmeier about the state work workplace wellbeing, Geoff McDonald's influential perspective on mental health, Berta Aldridge's practical strategies against bullying, Bob Lefkowitz's unconventional views on success, Ruth Gotian's insights on mentorship, and Dorie Clark's advice on aligning daily life with long-term purpose. These conversations have resonated with listeners and shaped my thinking. I believe they'll engage, challenge, and inspire you as well.
Timestamps
[1:48] Zana Goic Petricevic on Workplace Well-being and Unmet Needs
[4:40] Jessica Grossmeier on The Disconnect in Employee Well-being
[7:55] Geoff McDonald on Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Ill Health
[10:08] Berta Aldridge on Strategies for Handling Bullies at Work
[14:40] Bob Lefkowitz on a Key to Professional Success
[18:38] Ruth Gotian on Mentorship and Achieving Success
Crisis Leadership and the Art of Being Flexible
Episode 100
Monday, August 14, 2023 • Duration 53:42
In a world where readiness for unexpected challenges is crucial, how can leaders foster resilience, inclusivity, and creativity within their teams? This episode explores the importance of putting people first, embracing diversity in the creative sector, and leveraging collaboration during difficult times. You'll also discover insights on finding growth opportunities amid disaster, managing mental health as a leader, and practical lessons on being resilient and flexible in tumultuous times.
James Burstall is CEO of Argonon, one of the UK’s top international independent production groups. The group is headquartered in London with hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Oklahoma, Liverpool and Glasgow. The group produces shows ranging from The Masked Singer through to iconic current affairs program Dispatches, critically-acclaimed BBC One series Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard to much-loved BBC drama Worzel Gummidge.
James has worked as an executive producer and producer-director for broadcasters all over the world. Prior to his television career, he was a journalist, working as a writer and editor in Paris, London and New York for Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveler, HG, Vogue, The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard.
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Matt’s view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
“I think we saw with the pandemic, just how raw some people can be. It exposed that and put a light on it. And it's important that we respect it and that we connect with it. As a teacher, I see it in my students, I see it my colleagues. So, I believe all of us have to take a step back and remind ourselves that first and foremost, we're humans, we have challenges and issues, both in inside ourselves and in the relationships we have. And I think we need to spend more time respecting that in offering to help those who are struggling.”
What “working with humans” means to Matt
“To me, it is a reminder that communication is relational and about connection, not about transactions. We work with others, others who have their own existence, their own ideas, their own belief, and we need to remember that it's all about the relationship and the connection that we have and I think that is very powerful and very important.”
Matt’s view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
“I think we saw with the pandemic, just how raw some people can be. It exposed that and put a light on it. And it's important that we respect it and that we connect with it. As a teacher, I see it in my students, I see it my colleagues. So, I believe all of us have to take a step back and remind ourselves that first and foremost, we're humans, we have challenges and issues, both in inside ourselves and in the relationships we have. And I think we need to spend more time respecting that in offering to help those who are struggling.”
What “working with humans” means to Matt
“To me, it is a reminder that communication is relational and about connection, not about transactions. We work with others, others who have their own existence, their own ideas, their own belief, and we need to remember that it's all about the relationship and the connection that we have and I think that is very powerful and very important.”
· Debunking the myth that creativity is limited to certain sectors.
· Concrete steps for managers to inspire team creativity.
· Lessons from creative companies and industries applicable across all sectors.
· Examining barriers to creativity in conventional settings.
· Adopting ‘micro habits’ for team-wide innovative thinking.
Adam’s view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
"Every organization is struggling with hybrid work right now, right? When do you bring people into the office, or when do you work from home? And I think part of what I've discovered is the answer is: if you're going to ask people to come into the office, give them a reason, provide a creative focus. "I want everyone in the office on Wednesday because we're going to meet with our senior-most clients talking about their biggest pain points." If you just say, "Come in because it's everyone in the office Wednesday," like Taco Tuesday, it's arbitrary, and everyone's just going to probably sit at their desk with headphones in, tapping away at their keyboard; they may as well be at home."
What “working with humans” means to Adam
"Working with humans is about encouraging them to find and express those qualities that make them human: curiosity, adaptability, inspiration, innovation. Surely, any organization that encourages an abundance of those qualities in their people is one that I want to work for or invest in."
"This new world of hybrid working is now becoming the way forward. As you say, I think that during COVID we took great steps to connect with people even though we were working remotely. I think that focus has gone away now. And yet hybrid working seems as though it's here to stay. So, I think that's potentially a risky area where there's a lack of connection, a lack of visibility of employees, and a lack of conversation about what's going on for them as individuals. And I think that's something we all need to think about."
What “working with humans” means to Antoinette
“It's about navigating the human side of business. Business and organizations rely on people, and that involves communication, relationships, and collaboration. It's often complicated, but it's important to recognize that these aren't just human resources or human capital, as they have been called, or a parcel of human assets. They are humans. So, actually connecting to that human element of those individuals is crucial.”
30:14 More techniques for coping with toxic behaviors
33:10 The importance of self-care when coping with toxic behavior
34:28 Practical considerations, and pitfalls, for deciding on a coping strategy
39:14 Key ingredient for outgrowing our own toxic attendances
Anna's view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
"I think the greatest unmet need is that we must address the negative the toxicity at the same time as we're adding to the positive and teaching people about things like compassion, both are necessary."
What “working with humans” means to Anna
“It's a lovely phrase, and I think it is just that to remember that we are human beings, we all are. And that should be the center from which we work. So if we're human we work with compassion, with respect, with decency -- with ourselves and with other people.”
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Episode Highlights
How James’ background as a journalist shaped his values and decision-making as a leader.
Making tough decisions that aligned with personal principles even when they conflicted with his organization’s.
Promoting diversity not just internally but also in how Argonon’s business is run.
Why promoting diversity matters to James
Making the decision to prioritize the health and morale of employees over commercial interests.
How managers can insulate employees from common stressors in the creative sector
How Argonon orchestrated the transition of a global workforce from in-office to remote in 48 hours.
How creating “cobra teams” helped Argonon navigate the early days of the pandemic
Embodying kindness as a CEO
Striking a balance between being vulnerable and oversharing with employees
Tapping into personal support networks during times of crisis
How the pandemic has shaped and transformed James’ leadership style
James’ view on the greatest unmet wellbeing need at work today
"Mental health is probably the biggest concern. I think that stress and mental well being is now more acute than ever. And I'm pleased that for example, Prince Harry has talked about mental health among young men. I think that's a really healthy move in the right direction. Because the truth is that it's completely normal and human sometimes not to feel great, or even to get depressed. It happens to us. It's not nice, but it does happen. There are many tools available, and we made those tools available to all our people.
We need to make sure that we are listening to our people, that people have a proper recourse, whether it's through HR or through their managers to speak about what they're really feeling. And if they're struggling, we want people to tell us about it, because then we can do something about it together."
What “working with humans” means to James
“I loved it when you approached me to have this conversation. Because working with humans is exactly what we do. And that's who we are as an organization.
We are all about people. We're all about talent. Argonon wouldn't exist without our people. We don't have loads of machinery…What we have is amazingly creative individuals. And it's when those individuals come together, they create magic. And we create amazing programs, whether it's drama with documentary or reality or entertainment. We've won more than 125 international awards. We entertain millions of people all over the world.
And how has that happened? It was because of people coming together in a very supportive, inclusive environment. And when you do that, they create incredible work.”
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