Explore every episode of the podcast Leading People
Dive into the complete episode list for Leading People. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 107
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
100 Episodes In: The Biggest Leadership Lessons So Far
Not with a summary. Not with highlights. And not with a look back.
Just a conversation — allowed to unfold.
This episode exists thanks to the generosity, creativity, and support of Kate Walker Miles and Valeriia Diakiv, whose contributions helped bring it into being.
As always, thank you for listening — and for being part of the Leading People journey since January 2021.
What does it really mean to create a culture where people perform at their best?
In this episode of Leading People, I’m joined by Zach Mercurio, researcher, speaker, and author of The Power of Mattering, to explore how leaders can create a culture of significance — one where people feel seen, valued, and needed.
Drawing on decades of research into motivation and human performance, Zach explains why performance, resilience, and engagement suffer when people feel invisible or replaceable — and why leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the everyday signals that tell people whether they matter.
In our conversation, we explore:
What a culture of significance really looks like in practice
Why people perform better when they feel valued and needed
How leaders often unintentionally signal that people don’t matter
Small, everyday leadership behaviours that have an outsized impact
Why significance isn’t a “soft” idea — but a serious performance driver
Zach brings these principles to life through compelling stories from an array of organisations.
Whether you lead a team, work in HR or L&D, or care about creating environments where people thrive and perform, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.
What does your body say about you when you walk into a room?
And how much of your leadership impact depends on something you can’t see — but everyone else can feel?
In this episode, Kate Walker Miles of RADA Business — a trusted advisor to senior executives and leadership teams — reveals how posture, breath, and voice shape credibility, confidence, and influence.
Drawing on her background in experimental psychology, acting, and behavioural coaching, Kate explains how to use your body as an ally in communication, especially when the stakes are high.
And in a unique five-minute guided exercise, she helps you experience what authentic presence feels like in real time — offering practical tools to:
Ground yourself and manage nerves before high-stakes moments
Use breath and alignment to project calm authority
Speak with clarity and conviction
Reconnect with your physical presence to lead with impact
If you’ve ever wondered why some leaders hold the room while others disappear into it, this episode will help you understand — and change — what’s really going on.
A practical, engaging conversation that proves leadership isn’t just what you say — it’s how you show up.
Curious?
🎧 Listen now
🎥 Watch Kate’s humorous, yet provocative, talk The Secrets of Food Marketing — viewed over 9.2 million times on YouTube.
What does good leadership really look like in the day-to-day?
This short Leading People episode kicks off a brand-new One Simple Thing series on how to be brilliant at the basics of leadership. Because let’s face it — it’s the basics that often go missing.
Click play to hear the one question that every leader should be asking themselves.
What if bringing in the dough doesn’t always mean having the power?
In this episode, BBC journalist Melissa Hogenboom explores how breadwinning roles — in families and at work — are shaped by power dynamics, gender norms, and invisible expectations.
Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or both, this conversation will challenge how you think about success, status, and sharing the load.
Together, we discuss:
Why power at home and power at work are more connected than we think
How gender roles are evolving — and where they’re stuck
Why some people feel pressure to perform, even when they don’t hold power
What leaders and organisations can do to create more balanced dynamics
How to open up space for empathy, equity, and trust
You'll also discover the Parenting Amplification Effect.
This episode provides a fresh take on power, ambition, and what it means to thrive — at work and at home.
Ever typed a question into ChatGPT and gotten a weird or underwhelming response?
You’re not alone.
In this One Simple Thing episode, we explore why so many AI queries fall flat — and what leaders can do differently. There’s one small shift that makes all the difference… and no, it’s not about being a tech expert.
This is the final part of our short series on how to use AI to enhance your leadership — without losing your human touch.
🎧 Curious?
Hit play and find out what makes AI really work for you.
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn for more leadership tips from the Leading People podcast.
What if the biggest barrier to change isn’t strategy or communication — but biology?
In this episode, organisational change expert Hilary Scarlett shares powerful insights from the 3rd edition of her book, Neuroscience for Organizational Change. She explains how understanding the brain can help leaders navigate resistance, foster trust, and lead transformation that sticks.
Drawing on neuroscience and real-world examples, Hilary shows why getting brains onboard — not just people — is the secret to lasting change.
Together, Hilary and Gerry discuss a wide range of topics, including:
What neuroscience reveals about why people resist change
Why uncertainty and ambiguity overwhelm the brain
How to reduce threat responses and build trust during change
What leaders can do to communicate more effectively
How to create clarity, reward prediction, and support resilience
Whether you’re leading a restructure, launching a new initiative, or helping teams through transition — this episode offers practical guidance rooted in science and empathy.
What would you do with an extra 30–60 minutes in your day?
In this One Simple Thing episode, Leading People host, Gerry Murray, explores how AI can give leaders back precious time - not by taking over, but by taking the heavy lifting out of your writing tasks.
You'll be able to free up time for more important leadership tasks.
Whether it’s an email, a proposal, or a tricky LinkedIn post, learn how to use AI to create smart starting points, enhance your clarity, and even communicate across multiple languages.
If you're someone who doesn't enjoy writing, then this episode may even be a life saver!
Find out how Gerry lost a job to AI and didn't mind!
Curious to learn more?
🎧 Listen now to this Leadership time-saving tip
This is part of our mini-series on how to use AI to support your leadership, without losing your human touch.
What separates exceptional leaders from mediocre managers?
This week's guest, Andrew Palmer, Senior Editor at The Economist and host of the Boss Class podcast, has spent years interviewing some of the world's most influential executives to answer this question.
Drawing from his extensive experience writing the witty and insightful Bartleby column and developing the Boss Class podcast series, Andrew reveals that great leadership isn't only about charisma or authority - it's about mastering the art of balance.
During our conversation, Andrew unpacks four critical leadership dimensions that emerged from his research.
First, effective leaders act as amplifiers of culture and strategy, using systematic approaches to project their vision throughout an organisation. Companies like Stryker implement this through deliberate hiring practices, organisational structures, and shared language, while Levi's CEO Michelle Gass creates tangible symbols to reinforce strategic priorities.
Second, self-management distinguishes exceptional leaders. Andrew shares a valuable insight from his presentation training with RADA: "turn selfie view off"— focus on your audience rather than yourself. GSK's Emma Walmsley consciously manages her emotions, knowing they impact everyone around her, while other executives create explicit "user manuals" detailing their working preferences.
Third, Andrew demystifies negotiation and decision-making. From the diamond district in New York to diplomatic negotiations with Iran, successful negotiators focus heavily on preparation and relationship-building before formal discussions begin. For decision-making, distinguishing between "one-way doors" (irreversible choices) and "two-way doors" (easily changed decisions) helps calibrate appropriate decision speeds.
Finally, Andrew draws fascinating parallels between jazz improvisation and crisis management, showing how thorough preparation enables creative responses to unexpected challenges. When facing novel situations, leaders succeed by empowering frontline employees to respond based on shared principles rather than rigid protocols.
Whether you're a seasoned executive or newly promoted manager, this conversation offers invaluable insights into practical leadership challenges.
Andrew's thoughtful analysis, delivered with characteristic wit, illuminates why management remains difficult even for those at the top—and he provides concrete strategies for improvement.
Curious to learn more?
🎧 Listen now to this episode
Subscribe to Boss Class and listen to Andrew Palmer's conversations with the world's most insightful leaders and management thinkers.
Ever asked ChatGPT a question, looked at its response and thought… “This isn’t what I wanted”?
In this episode of One Simple Thing…
Gerry Murray reveals why so many AI prompts fail - and what to do instead. Discover how to brief AI tools like ChatGPT as you would a colleague, so they become your assistant, not your replacement.
You’ll learn:
The six essentials of a good AI brief
Why vague prompts produce vague outputs
How to turn AI into a productivity partner (not a frustration machine)
Curious?
🎧 Listen now and transform your AI results with this simple leadership tip.
This is part of the One Simple Thing mini-series on using AI to lead better while staying human.
How do you prove the value of your people programs when budgets are tight and leaders demand evidence?
This week's guest is Dr. Alaina Szlachta, author of the book Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring.
In this illuminating conversation, Alaina shares practical approaches to measurement and evaluation that don't require a PhD in statistics or massive resources.
Drawing from her experience across corporate, non-profit and academic sectors, Alaina reveals why data literacy is the foundation of effective evaluation. She explains how her journey from "data-phobic" to "data enthusiast" shaped her practical approach to demonstrating impact with limited resources.
The game-changing "Impact Hypothesis" framework Alaina shares creates a logical chain connecting learning programs to business outcomes, without requiring complex statistical analysis. Rather than attempting to prove perfect causation (which is nearly impossible in complex organisations), she demonstrates how to identify meaningful correlations and trends that reveal program effectiveness.
Most provocatively, Alaina addresses the paradox many organisations face: leaders want ROI data from learning initiatives but fail to provide the resources needed to gather it.
Her "build, borrow, buy" strategy offers practical ways to leverage existing organisational assets to overcome this challenge.
For HR professionals tired of fighting for budget without evidence, and business leaders questioning the value of people investments, this conversation offers a refreshing middle path.
Alaina's approach makes measurement accessible to everyone, transforming L&D from a cost centre to a strategic driver of organisational success.
Curious?
🎧 Listen now
Connect with Alaina on LinkedIn and mention this podcast to receive a special gift.
Most people think they know where their paycheck comes from — but the real answer might surprise you.
In this short episode, Gerry Murray shares a surprising pattern he’s seen in leadership workshops across sectors and industries. It’s a simple mindset shift that separates teams who truly add value… from those who don’t.
This episode just might change the way you think about your work — and the people who depend on it.
Curious?
🎧 Listen now and discover One Simple Thing every leader needs to remember.
Ever wonder if your message is landing the way you intend?
In this episode of One Simple Thing…
You'll discover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to refine your writing, without losing your human voice.
This isn’t about outsourcing your message. It’s about coaching yourself to be clearer, more intentional, and more confident in what you write and send to others.
You'll learn:
How AI can act as your writing mirror
The power of asking better questions
Why AI doesn’t replace your voice - it sharpens it
Curious?
🎧 Listen now and test this out for yourself.
This is part of our One Simple Thing Mini-Series on using AI to become a better leader - while staying human.
Gerry Murray speaks with organisational psychologist and Chief Scientist at AIHR, Dieter Veldsman, about how to redesign work for a more human future.
Drawing on his new book Work for Humans, Dieter shares why employee experience (EX) is much more than a buzzword, and how to make it a philosophy, a process, and a practice.
Together, they discuss:
• Why EX is now a core leadership issue, not just an HR function
• How to measure EX meaningfully — without making it overly soft or overly rigid
• The role of technology in either amplifying or eroding human experience
• Why frontline workers must be central to any EX strategy
• How EX links to organisational design, trust, inclusion, and long-term performance
This is a manifesto for leaders and HR professionals who want to build workplaces where people — and businesses — thrive.
Curious?
🎧 Listen to the full conversation now to discover how to do this.
What does it really take to become a top employer in today’s world of work?
In this episode, Gerry Murray talks to Ammara Naeem, Client Experience Director at the Top Employers Institute, about what smart HR leaders are doing differently to stay ahead, from systems thinking to AI-powered leadership.
In this fascinating conversation, you'll learn:
What top employers are doing that others aren’t
Why HR needs to speak the language of the business
Gen Z, talent fluidity, and the rise of the “new collar” workforce
The link between employee and customer experience
How to prove the value of learning, development, and culture to the C-suite
Ammara shares practical insights from working with 2,400+ certified employers across the globe and explains why empathy still wins in uncertain times.
Curious?
🎧 Listen to the full conversation now to discover what others are doing.
How often do you hit send on an email without considering how your words might land with the recipient?
Leadership communication carries emotional weight, and without the benefit of facial expressions or body language, your carefully crafted emails can easily be misinterpreted.
This episode tackles a deceptively simple yet powerful leadership practice.
When you're in a position of leadership, your words carry extra weight and get amplified throughout your team.
That quick message about a missed deadline or that feedback on a project might seem straightforward to you, but how will it make your reader feel? Will they perceive your tone as supportive or critical? Clear or confusing?
The most effective leaders understand that clarity is kindness and can transform routine communication into a meaningful connection. Remember, you're not being bossy when you're specific about what you need - you're being helpful.
Every email you send as a leader is a "moment of truth" for your leadership style and values. By applying the simple practices in this episode of One Simple Thing, you can ensure your communications build trust rather than erode it.
Curious?
🎧 Listen to this 5-minute tip on how to write emails that don’t just get read, but get results.
Connect with me on LinkedIn to share how this approach has transformed your workplace communications, and subscribe for more Leading People episodes of One Simple Thing that can make a significant difference in your leadership journey.
What makes some leaders genuinely inspiring while others leave us frustrated and disengaged?
In this transformative conversation with Columbia Business School's Professor Adam Galinsky, we discuss his latest book: Inspire – The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others
Along the way, we uncover the hidden psychology that determines whether you'll inspire or infuriate the people around you.
Adam reveals the "Inspire-Infuriate Continuum"—a powerful framework showing how every interaction we have falls somewhere on this spectrum.
Through compelling stories and research-backed insights, he demonstrates how life naturally slants us toward the infuriating end but offers clear pathways back to inspiration.
The conversation takes fascinating turns through real-world examples, from the contrasting leadership styles during two famous crises to how a simple coffee machine placement can transform organizational culture.
Adam shares the three universal factors that determine our position on the continuum.
Perhaps most eye-opening is the "Leader Amplification Effect". To illustrate this, Adam recounts how Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's offhand criticism devastated him as a student, while a simple compliment weeks later has sustained him for decades.
This awareness of our impact as leaders becomes the foundation for designing more inspiring interactions.
The discussion provides practical strategies for moving toward the inspiring end of the spectrum.
Adam's insights extend beyond traditional leadership contexts - executives report becoming better spouses, parents, and friends by applying these universal principles.
Ready to transform your impact on others?
🎧 Listen now to discover the universal path for bringing out the best in yourself and everyone around you.
Taking back control of your inbox might be the most important productivity shift you make as a leader.
Have you noticed how email has transformed from a helpful tool into the central focus of your workday? That subtle shift has massive consequences for your effectiveness, focus, and the example you set for your team.
In this actionable One Simple Thing episode, I tackle the modern challenge of email addiction that's plaguing knowledge workers everywhere. We've normalized checking messages before breakfast, during meetings, and sometimes even in the bathroom!
This constant reactivity comes with serious costs: increased anxiety, decision fatigue, fragmented attention, and ultimately, lower quality work. As leaders, we're not just managing our own productivity – we're modeling behaviors that our teams will likely adopt.
The solution doesn't require complex systems or productivity hacks. I share four straightforward strategies that have transformed how I handle over 30 emails in under 10 minutes most mornings.
You'll learn how to establish strategic checkpoints throughout your day, implement a quick-response system, block focused time for thoughtful replies, and set clear expectations with colleagues.
The key insight?
Email should serve your priorities, not the other way around.
This small shift delivers outsized benefits:
reduced stress
improved focus
better work quality
and the powerful example of intentional leadership.
Small steps truly can lead to big changes.
Curious?
🎧 Listen now and take back control of your day...
Test out implementing just one of these strategies this week and notice the difference in your day.
I'd love to hear how it transforms your approach – connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know your results!
Margaret Heffernan joins the Leading People podcast to challenge our dangerous addiction to certainty and predictability. Drawing from her latest book "Embracing Uncertainty," she reveals why the traditional management approach - forecast, plan, execute - is fundamentally broken in today's volatile world. When the first leg of this three-legged stool collapses, everything else follows.
What makes this conversation so compelling is Margaret's unique perspective, bridging her experience as a CEO with deep research into how creative professionals - writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists - naturally thrive in uncertainty. These creators don't just tolerate the unknown; they actively seek it out as the fertile ground where breakthroughs happen. The stark contrast with today's corporate environments is telling: we're producing highly credentialed professionals who excel at following instructions but freeze when asked to navigate ambiguity.
Margaret offers practical wisdom for leaders wanting to break free from this trap. She examines how WL Gore's elegant three-question innovation framework makes idea development accessible to everyone, why performance management systems often strangle creativity, and how companies can build innovation into their everyday operations rather than relegating it to specialized departments. Her insights on efficiency are particularly provocative.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing technology and AI.
Margaret cuts through the hype with characteristic clarity, questioning whether these tools will deliver the promised benefits and examining the often-overlooked costs. Her perspective isn't anti-technology but rather a call for technology that genuinely serves human flourishing rather than diminishing it.
Curious?
Whether you're facing uncertainty in your leadership role, struggling with innovation challenges, or simply curious about how to thrive in an unpredictable world, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance.
Subscribe to Leading People and join our LinkedIn community to continue the conversation about embracing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Step into the revolutionary intersection of neuroscience and leadership with Professor Patricia Riddell and Ian McDermott as they shatter outdated brain myths and reveal how understanding neuroscience transforms leadership effectiveness.
Most leaders operate on brain models that are 60-65 years out of date. This knowledge gap isn't just academic – it directly impacts how we develop talent, make decisions, and build organizational capacity.
Patricia and Ian introduce "neuro-effective leadership," a groundbreaking approach that applies cutting-edge neuroscience to practical leadership challenges.
Neuroplasticity emerges as the game-changing concept every leader needs to understand. Leaders who understand neuroplasticity see potential differently – not as a fixed attribute to be measured, but as a capacity that can be systematically developed through the right experiences.
The conversation reveals surprising insights about how our brains handle tasks versus relationships.
We also explore how understanding empathy as a structured cognitive skill rather than a vague "soft skill" provides practical techniques for creating psychological safety while maintaining accountability.
Patricia and Ian's upcoming book "Neuro-Effective Leadership" will be published by Routledge in June 2025, with pre-registration available in May.
Connect with them on LinkedIn to learn about their Applied Neuroscience program (get a special offer) and discover how understanding your brain can transform your leadership capacity.
Curious?
If you want to lead more effectively, build better relationships, and create a leadership style that truly works for you and your teams, this episode is packed with practical neuroscience-backed insights you can apply immediately.
🎧 Tune in now and start leading with more choice, clarity, and confidence!
Ever found yourself putting off an important task—only to scramble at the last minute?
Procrastination isn’t just about being lazy. It’s a deeply ingrained habit fueled by brain chemistry, energy, and even our personal values. And if you’re in a leadership role, the stakes are even higher.
In this episode of One Simple Thing, we break down:
✔️ Why procrastination happens (it’s not what you think!)
✔️ How our brains trick us into avoiding important work
✔️ What Enjoyment-Performance Theory reveals about our motivation
✔️ Four simple strategies to take back control
✔️ Why managing procrastination isn’t just about time management
Curious?
🎧 Listen now—and stop putting things off for later.
We challenge traditional views of midlife and explore how this phase can be a powerful transition for leaders.
Aneace Haddad, a former tech CEO and an executive coach with extensive experience, invites listeners to rethink what it means to lead in the second half of life. He examines the cognitive shifts that occur as people enter their 40s and beyond, revealing that this period often marks the emergence of unique leadership superpowers that younger leaders may not yet possess.
Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Aneace illustrates how leaders in midlife can embrace ambiguity and let go of the need for the granular detail-oriented thinking that served them well in their youth.
Instead, he emphasizes the importance of big-picture strategic thinking, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
Aneace's insights shine a light on the positives of aging, reframing the concept of resilience into a joyful and rejuvenating process.
Listeners looking to enhance their leadership approach will find this episode rich in resources and inspiration, encouraging personal reflection and growth.
Whether you are in midlife or simply interested in understanding leadership evolution, Aneace's wisdom will resonate with anyone striving to improve their impact in the workplace.
Curious?
Join us in embracing the beauty of growth at any age, and let’s celebrate the incredible potential that emerges through experience.
Remember to visit Aneace.com to connect with Aneace and explore his work!
It’s a question many leaders and learning professionals wrestle with — and one that my guest, Paul Matthews, has spent decades exploring.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Paul challenges some of the most common assumptions about training and learning. Drawing on insights from his three books — on informal learning, capability building, and learning transfer — he explains why so many well-intentioned programmes fail to create real behaviour change, and what organisations must do differently.
We cover a wide range of topics, including:
Why people learn best through activities, not content
How capability depends on both the individual and the environment
What your SatNav can teach you about turning learning into performance
The link between diagnostics, performance consulting, and business outcomes
How culture can “eat training for breakfast”, and often does
Designing learning like an engineer: with purpose, precision, and clear success criteria
Why AI is fast becoming “the world’s tutor” — and what that means for L&D and leaders
Practical examples of organisations turning learning into sustained performance
Whether you’re a leader, an L&D professional, or simply someone curious about how people grow, this episode offers powerful insights into what actually helps people change behaviour — and what gets in the way.
Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day?
You start with good intentions, but distractions, interruptions, and never-ending demands pull you in every direction. Before you know it, the day is gone - and your most important work is still unfinished.
What if you could reclaim an hour (or more) every single day - without waking up earlier, working longer, or burning yourself out?
In this One Simple Thing episode of Leading People, I share a practical strategy that will help you take back control of your time, boost your focus, and get more done with less stress.
It’s a small change that can have a huge impact.
Curious?
🎧 Listen now and start winning back your time today...
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links
In this episode:
Unlock the secrets to becoming a "Supercharged Leader" as we chat with leadership gurus Mandy Flint and Elizabeth Vinberg-Hearn.
Promising a unique take on leadership that veers away from traditional HR-driven methods, Mandy and Elizabeth enlighten us with strategies that synchronize personal leadership skills with business goals.
They draw from their rich experiences at American Express, illustrating how self-leadership is crucial for navigating today's fast-paced corporate world. Prepare to explore the six superchargers that could transform your leadership style and elevate your impact.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the qualities leaders need to thrive amidst rapid technological and global shifts. Mandy and Elizabeth discuss the mindset and skillsets that leaders must cultivate to tackle unforeseen challenges, especially those brought on by events like COVID-19.
They also touch upon the evolving role of AI and how leaders can harness collective intelligence to stay ahead. Expect to gain insights into balancing strategic thinking with daily operations and the role of trust in creating high-performing teams in a VUCA world.
For middle managers and leaders transitioning from individual contributor roles, this episode offers invaluable guidance on fostering trust and collaboration.
Learn how to effectively manage your emotional state to influence positive team dynamics and understand the ripple effect of self-leadership.
As AI continues to shape the business landscape, Mandy and Elizabeth stress the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.
Curious?
Listen now to discover how embracing humility and openness to new ideas can prepare you for the future challenges of leadership.
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links
Do you ever find yourself saying "Yes" to things that you really don't want to do?
Do you feel that others sometimes take advantage of your goodwill and helpfulness?
What if you could unlock the secret to protecting your time and energy by simply saying no?
This week on Leading People it's another One Simple Thing - easy tips and insights that you can implement immediately.
Today, you'll learn the essential art of saying "No" by prioritizing yourself first. By embracing this transformative mindset, young leaders - and seasoned veterans alike - can revolutionize their approach to managing tasks and relationships.
Discover how to assertively decline requests that don't align with your true priorities.
In this episode I share practical techniques to frame your responses confidently, preserving relationships while safeguarding your most important commitments.
Plus, how to say "No" to your boss!
Tune in to each episode of One Simple Thing to learn how small steps can lead to remarkable transformations.
Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow this podcast so you're sure to get our next episode, where we'll continue to uncover simple yet powerful methods to enhance your leadership journey.
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links
On this episode of Leading People, we promise you’ll uncover the keys to building an exceptional workplace culture with our distinguished guest, Koen Dewettinck, CEO of Great Place to Work Belgium and a professor at Vlerick Business School.
During our conversation, Koen walks us through his fascinating exploration into organizational psychology and shares his insights on creating environments where employees feel truly valued. This episode is your chance to learn how the power of the employee voice can redefine success in any organization.
Great Place to Work is on a global mission to redefine workplace culture, and Koen introduces us to the tools and insights needed to achieve this transformation. From its origins in the U.S. to expanding into 180 countries, including Belgium, we discuss how this pioneering organization measures and enhances workplace culture.
Koen also shares how their evidence-based approach, complemented by workshops and tools, supports organizations in building robust cultures grounded in trust, credibility, and integrity. He offers insights on aligning theory with practice to support continuous growth and highlights the importance of personal development opportunities.
Finally, we learn about how Great Place to Work celebrates exceptional workplaces, showcasing organizations that excel in creating high engagement and a great work environment.
Curious?
Listen now to this insightful conversation that could transform your approach to leadership and organizational culture.
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links
Dr Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a renowned psychologist, leadership coach and author of the highly acclaimed book - The Resilience Plan - shares her groundbreaking approach to resilience in this thought-provoking episode of Leading People.
Discover how resilience can be cultivated as a skill rather than just an inherent personality trait. Marie-Hélène explains why resilience is not a trait.
We promise you'll gain valuable insights into building a personalized resilience plan to ward off burnout, especially for high achievers who often miss the early warning signs.
Marie-Hélène's journey from psychology to pioneering resilience research provides a unique backdrop for these strategies, blending psychological insights with business acumen to enhance both work performance and mental health.
Listeners will uncover common misconceptions about resilience and recognize burnout indicators that typically go unnoticed. We emphasize the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, which can nurture open conversations about mental health.
By understanding Marie-Hélène's BEAR thinking model you'll be better equipped to navigate the biases that distort our perceptions. Marie-Hélène's analogy of "don't feed the bears" serves as a memorable guide for avoiding unhelpful thoughts and embracing constructive thinking.
The discussion extends to leadership, where we explore how strategic resilience planning transforms both personal and professional life. High-performing professionals will learn to accurately assess the demands on their energy and align their tasks with personal values for more satisfying outcomes.
We also delve into the vital role leaders play in fostering a resilient organization, particularly by sharing personal strategies to build team trust and psychological safety.
Whether you're a leader or an HR decision-maker, this episode offers essential strategies for you and your team to thrive in today's high-pressure environment.
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links above
This is the podcast for leaders and HR decision-makers who want to bring out the best in themselves and others.
What if you could unlock the secret to true leadership presence, not through charisma, but by embracing authenticity and intention?
Join us as Caroline Goyder, a TEDx speaker, coach and author, shares her transformative journey from an early career in acting to mastering gravitas, and how you can begin your path toward genuine leadership.
Through her personal stories and insights, discover how failure can be a stepping stone to growth, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Samuel Beckett and Dan Gilbert. Caroline's journey, including her experiences while writing "The Star Qualities", offers valuable lessons on developing effective communication and leading with purpose.
Explore the profound impact of intentionality and storytelling in leadership with Caroline, as we discuss how these elements can shift a leader's presence from doubt to dynamic passion. Gravitas, often misunderstood as mere charisma, is unpacked as a grounded presence aligned with one's values.
Hear stories of community leaders who embody this quality, serving causes greater than themselves, and reflect on how such leadership transcends personal ambition.
Be inspired by role models whose stories illustrate the power of leading authentically and with a shared purpose.
Gain insights into overcoming imposter syndrome in presentations through preparation and presence.
Whether you're looking to cultivate gravitas, enhance your presentations, or simply lead with greater impact, this episode equips you with practical tools and strategies to elevate your leadership journey.
Finally, we preview the Leading People conversation with my next guest, Marie-Hélène Pelletier, author of “The Resilience Plan – A strategic approach to optimizing your work performance and mental health”.
Please subscribe and follow Leading People via the Podcast links above
As we close out the year, Gerry Murray reflects on a powerful inspiration from 2024 that will reshape how you engage with the Leading People podcast in 2025. In just 90 seconds, discover a fresh idea that could transform how you bring out the best in yourself and others.
In this episode, Malissa Clark, Associate Professor of Psychology at Georgia University in the US and author of: Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, reveals the surprising truths about busyness and its impact on performance and well-being.
A key takeaway is that workaholism significantly impacts individual health and organizational culture.
Based on her extensive research, Malissa reveals the distinct differences between workaholism and overwork, providing insights into internal and external factors driving these behaviours, along with proactive strategies to combat them.
We cover a lot of ground in this conversation including:
- Defining workaholism versus overwork - Exploring internal and external drivers of workaholic behaviour - Examining modern perceptions of busyness and productivity - Discussing the impact of technology on work-life boundaries - Highlighting leadership's influence on organizational culture - Offering actionable individual strategies to manage workaholism - Stressing the importance of self-care and boundaries in the workplace
Curious?
Join us for this fascinating exploration of the world of work.
Discover how putting workers first and treating them like customers can transform your business.
In this episode we chat with Stephan Meier, a leading behavioural economist and Columbia Business School professor. Stephan takes us on a journey from Switzerland to his pivotal role at Columbia, sharing insights from his latest book, "The Employee Advantage: How Putting Workers First Helps Businesses Thrive."
This episode uncovers the revolutionary impacts of personalisation and empowerment in employee management, inspired by success stories from companies like Eli Lilly and DHL Express.
Stephan challenges the conventional wisdom that often prioritises customers over employees. By examining the global disengagement epidemic, he argues for a mindset shift towards an employee-centric culture, much like Amazon's customer-centric approach.
Stephan also provides a fascinating exploration of remote work's complexities, the balance between flexibility and collaboration, and how these factors influence workplace motivation and trust.
Real-world examples shed light on how treating employees as valuable assets can lead to enhanced organizational profitability.
Finally, we delve into the future of work, exploring how AI and technology can uplift workplace motivation by reducing mundane tasks and enabling meaningful work.
Stephan offers a compelling vision for leaders aiming to inspire their workforce, emphasizing the importance of seeing employees as customers and strategically using technology to create engaging environments. With insights on leadership styles and the evolving role of AI, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to thrive in the modern business landscape.
Curious?
Join us for this insightful episode as we explore why employees are the new customers.
What if leadership wasn’t just about giving orders, but about fostering innovation and collaboration through learning and development?
In a captivating conversation with Anna Mittelman, Head of the European School of Administration, we explore her transformative journey from HR professional to the leader of the EU’s training hub.
Anna shares her insights on how learning to unlearn is vital in today's rapidly evolving work environment and discusses the pivotal role of job shadowing in bridging talent gaps across EU institutions.
Discover the power of decentralized leadership and collaboration in resource-constrained environments. We explore how distributing leadership responsibilities can foster ownership and enthusiasm among team members, allowing leaders to focus on creating clarity and supporting performance.
We also discuss the unique challenges and opportunities the EU faces with technological advancements, societal shifts, and geopolitical changes, and how leadership programs must adapt to remain relevant.
Curious?
Join us for this insightful episode as we redefine leadership and learning for a future-ready European Union.
In this new season, I’m excited to bring you more conversations with brilliant authors, organisational experts, and practitioners who shape the world of leadership today. Together, we’ll be exploring everything from the art of self-leadership to creating work cultures that empower people.
So, get ready to challenge your assumptions about leadership and hear from some of the best minds in the field.
Tune into this short preview for a taste of what’s to come and remember to subscribe to Leading People wherever you listen to your podcasts...
Ever wondered what it takes to make a radical career shift?
My guest, Caroline Dowd-Higgins, did just that, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this episode, Caroline opens up about her battle with workplace burnout, the pivotal moment that prompted her to leave a demanding executive role, and how she leveraged her transferable skills to find a more fulfilling path.
This conversation is a goldmine for anyone grappling with career stressors or contemplating a major career pivot.
Drawing from her latest book, "Your Career Advantage: Overcome Challenges to Achieve a Rewarding Work Life," Caroline offers practical guidance on navigating career transitions, recognizing red flags in unfulfilling roles, and making informed decisions about staying or moving on.
The episode also explores the transformative power of a resilient work culture. Caroline discusses how company values and flexible work schedules can significantly impact individual and organizational success. And, we look into future work trends and the importance of aligning work schedules with personal productivity peaks.
Caroline also has a special offer for our listeners.
Curious?
Tune in now to this treasure trove of insights and actionable advice for achieving a balanced and rewarding career.
Ever wondered what drives our seemingly endless engagement with digital tools at work?
Cyberpsychology expert Carolyn Freeman joins us to shed light on this phenomenon and shares her personal journey from the corporate world to cyberpsychology, triggered by her own experiences with digital burnout.
Gain insights into how technology influences our behavior, mental health, and productivity, and learn effective strategies to manage digital stress in the workplace.
Carolyn offers valuable perspectives on mastering technology instead of letting it control you.
Balancing work and personal life has never been more challenging, especially in creative environments.
Discover the significance of managing work-home boundaries and how being constantly connected through emails and messaging platforms can heighten stress levels and impact team dynamics.
Whether you strictly separate work from personal time or blend the two, understanding and embracing your unique work style is essential for maintaining mental health and productivity.
As the workplace evolves, so do our needs for flexibility. Explore varying perspectives on hybrid and remote work and how organisational culture and leadership play crucial roles in implementing successful flexible work policies.
Learn to recognize signs of burnout and practical advice on managing technology use to maintain well-being.
By tailoring work arrangements to fit both individual preferences and team needs, we can create a more supportive and productive work environment. Carolyn explains how to do this. And, she has a special offer for a few lucky people!
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that addresses the complexities of modern work life and see how you can enhance the way you use technology.
What type of pivotal moment can lead someone to dedicate their career to leadership development?
Why are qualities like inward soundness and other focus so critical in leadership?
And how does the quality of leadership impact not just our work, but our overall well-being?
Join us as Tim Spiker, founder of The Aperio and author of "The Only Leaders Worth Following - Why some leaders succeed, others fail, and how the quality of our lives hangs in the balance" shares his riveting journey through the world of leadership development.
Tim delves into the importance of inward soundness and other-focused leadership, revealing how these qualities can significantly enhance the well-being of employees and reshape organisational culture.
Drawing from extensive research and personal experience, Tim discusses how certain qualities are crucial for effective leadership. Listen to real-life stories that illustrate how leaders can unlock greater strategic potential and foster a sense of unity within their teams.
We also explore the broader implications of great leadership, extending beyond the business world to areas like government, civic organizations, and family life.
And Tim shares a transformative tip to enhance your leadership skills.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, Tim's wisdom is sure to inspire and guide you on your leadership journey.
What does it take to be the CEO of a leading global company?
What qualities enable a CEO to bring out the best in themselves and others?
What can you do, regardless of rank or position, to have a fulfilling career?
These are just some of the topics that I cover in this episode of Leading People.
My guest is Rob Kuijpers.
Rob rose to senior positions within Heinz before first becoming CEO of EMEA for DHL and eventually CEO of DHL Worldwide Express, at the time the most global company in the world.
When the Belgian national airline, Sabena, went bankrupt in 2001, in the aftermath of 9/11, Rob helped set up and became CEO of what is now Brussels Airlines.
Today, Rob is 86 and still active in business. And, he regularly takes part in international tennis competitions for the over 80s!
It's often said that wisdom comes with age. During what turned out to be a fascinating conversation we follow Rob's career path with stories and anecdotes, lessons learned about how to deal with mistakes and failures, and probably more importantly, how to get others to perform at their best.
And, Rob has some great advice for us all on how to have fulfilling careers.
There are so many other valuable nuggets in this conversation that I'll leave it to you to decide what your favourite ones are.
And, remember to follow us on our social media channels and share the podcast with colleagues and friends.
Join us this week as Brian Moran, acclaimed author and innovator behind the "12-Week Year," challenges us to rethink our traditional views on accountability.
In this eye-opening episode, Brian dives into why seeing accountability as a mere consequence is a misconception that limits potential. Discover the transformative power of true accountability through ownership, choice, and clear commitments.
Whether you're leading a team, managing your own business, or looking to elevate your personal productivity, Brian’s insights will equip you with the tools to achieve more in less time.
Ready to change how you see accountability and success?
Tune in to redefine your approach and unlock a new level of effectiveness and fulfilment.
What does it take to navigate the complex landscape of modern human resources?
How can HR professionals foster a culture of innovation while ensuring a deep connection with their workforce?
And what lessons can we learn from leading HR experts to adapt to the rapid changes in today's corporate world?
In this episode, we sit down with Sébastien Tranchant, an HR leader with a rich background spanning across various industries, including his transformative work at Toyota and Bridgestone.
Today, he is EMEA Head of HR for Manufacturing, Quality and Labour Relations at Bridgestone.
From his unexpected journey into the world of HR to his innovative approach to talent management and leadership, Sébastien talks about the leadership principles that have helped him in his career to date.
He also shares his expert insights on the evolving role of HR in embracing artificial intelligence, fostering a sense of community in remote work environments, and connecting with the aspirations of new generations.
Join us as we uncover the strategies that have made Sébastien an innovator in the HR field, shaping the future of work and the role of human resources in driving organizational success
And remember to follow us on our social media channels and share the podcast with colleagues and friends.
How are you evolving with the shifting dynamics of workplace culture and hybrid work environments?
In this episode, Gustavo Razzetti, author and CEO at Fearless Culture, a culture design firm, shares his revolutionary insights into fostering a thriving company culture in the era of hybrid work.
This episode is a treasure trove for leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of today's work culture. We dissect the essence of creating spaces that not only adapt to the hybrid work model but excel within it, offering strategies for seamless integration and sustained engagement.
During the conversation, Gustavo explores the critical role of clear communication, the challenges of maintaining connection in dispersed teams, and strategies for building an inclusive culture that values every voice. Learn how adjusting leadership styles to be more empathetic and understanding can significantly impact team dynamics and overall productivity.
Delve into this discussion on the future of workspaces, where Gustavo shares his expert predictions and the necessary shifts in mindset to stay ahead. Beyond theory, we look to practical applications within renowned companies like Spotify, Airbnb, and Allstate, extracting lessons from their successful hybrid model implementations.
Join us for an inspiring session and discover how to leverage the unique opportunities that hybrid working presents, ensuring your team not only adapts but thrives.
And remember to follow us on our social media channels and share the podcast with colleagues and friends.
Could AI help us end conflict — at work, at home, or even at a global level?
In this episode, Gerry Murray talks with negotiation expert and author Simon Horton about his provocative new book, The End of Conflict.
We explore how AI is already influencing negotiation and collaboration, what it gets right (and wrong), and how a more symbiotic Human–AI relationship could change the way we resolve disagreements of every kind.
If you’re curious about the future of negotiation, the role of AI in reducing conflict, and what this means for leaders today, this conversation is worth your time.
How are you adapting to the challenges in change management and leadership growth?
In this episode, Eva Maurer, Head of HR Global Development at a prominent automotive services firm, discusses her forward-thinking strategies that drive significant change within the corporate sphere.
Eva describes her journey from traditional HR practices to a more innovative approach that encourages self-exploration, open communication, and collaborative efforts to initiate change. She values resistance as critical feedback and emphasizes the importance of empowering leaders and their teams to customize their approaches to meet specific needs, moving beyond a standardized approach.
This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to bolster leadership efficacy in their organizations.
We explore the significance of employee feedback as an indicator of leadership effectiveness, viewing leadership as a role that supports both team achievement and individual wellness. Eva and I delve into the advantages of self-evaluation methods and the Harrison assessment for enabling leaders to reflect and better engage with their teams.
Learn how promoting a culture of ongoing conversation and appreciating employee contributions can lead to a nurturing, high-performance work environment where leaders and their teams thrive together.
As we enter a new digital era, the landscape of leadership training is quickly changing. Our discussion highlights the transition from conventional group training to personalized learning experiences that prioritise peer-to-peer learning and active engagement. Eva shares her experiences in transforming leadership training into dynamic eight-week programs that offer consistent support and practical application.
We also discuss the nuances of HR practices across different cultural settings, ensuring our insights are applicable globally.
Tune in for an enlightening session that will introduce fresh perspectives into your leadership development strategies for the digital age.
And, remember to follow us on our social media channels and share the podcast with colleagues and friends.
Get the transformative secrets of leadership from people who are re-writing today’s HR.
Your host, Gerry Murray, guides you on a journey through the compelling landscapes of Leadership, HR development, employee engagement, and talent management.
Our latest episode is a treasure trove of insights, featuring the impressive Eva Maurer, who is revolutionising how we approach workplace learning. Say goodbye to outdated teaching methods and hello to collaborative learning that values resistance as a key to enrichment.
Then, Gustavo Razzetti lights up the discussion with vibrant insights on the collective responsibility of creating psychological safety and trust within teams—a must-hear for anyone looking to cultivate a robust and supportive work culture.
Prepare to be inspired as Sébastian Tranchant from the automotive sector shares the delicate art of balancing high performance with a compassionate work culture. The key? Tune in to find out.
And if that's not enough to whet your leadership appetite, Brian Moran returns to challenge everything you thought you knew about accountability, reframing it in a novel way.
This isn't just another leadership podcast; our guests will invite you to reshape your perspective and embrace innovative practices that will elevate your approach to guiding and developing others.
Join us and be part of a community committed to growth and excellence in leadership.
Curious?
Why not head over to your favourite podcast channel and listen to a sample of what's coming up in Season 3.
Unlock the art of ethical persuasion as we sit down with Simon Horton, an award-winning author and negotiation expert.
Simon reveals his six-step process, based on modelling the approaches used by hostage negotiators, addiction therapists, and billionaires, to change minds and reach their objectives.
His book, Change Their Mind: Six Steps to Persuade Anyone, Anytime, is a treasure trove of practical advice, stories, and detailed models. The power of this approach lies in its ability to forge enduring relationships while achieving the desired outcome.
Simon also provides real-world examples - whether you're trying to negotiate a salary increase or convincing your kids to clean up their toys, his strategies are applicable in numerous scenarios.
Not limiting ourselves to persuasion, we'll also venture into negotiation strategies, exploring the crucial roles of ambition, research, and active listening.
Learn from a billionaire's story about using ambition to seize opportunities for mutual benefits in deals.
Discover how research helps in understanding your counterpart, and how active listening opens doors to meaningful conversations.
And, as we tread the path of ethical persuasion, we'll delve into effective communication, focusing on how to maintain the highest ethical standards, and how to avoid the fundamental attribution error.
With Simon's guidance, be prepared to equip yourself with a versatile toolkit and the confidence to aspire big in your goals.
Curious?
So, why not head over to your favourite podcast channel and listen to what Simon has to say...
How would you like to be able to consistently bring out the best in yourself and others?
How could using a coach approach in your daily life bring hidden benefits?
As a Coach, how could you take your coaching skills to the level of Mastery?
As a Leader, how could you better look out for the well-being of your people?
These are just some of the many questions we explore in this episode of Leading People.
My guest is Paula King, an award-winning Master Coach, CEO, Coach Trainer and author of Becoming a Master Coach: Learn the Essential Tools, Techniques, and Approaches used by Master Coaches to Create a Successful Coaching Practice.
This episode is about Coaching. This not only includes professional coaches but also anyone who wants to incorporate coaching into their style of leadership be this at work, at home or in the community.
During our fascinating conversation, we touch on a wide variety of topics including:
The unexpected benefits of coach training
How to become comfortable with your own discomfort
How to prepare for a coaching conversation
How to be the best version of yourself
How to avoid getting disillusioned as a coach
Advice on how to attract clients and establish a profitable coaching business
Speaking from the heart and a vast experience, Paula shares with us her wisdom, insights and advice.
And, she has a special offer for some lucky listeners.
Curious?
So, why not head over to your favourite podcast channel and listen to what Paula has to say...