Phuel Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Phuel Conversations, Nathy Gaffney is joined by Andrew Thomas (CEO, Eagle’s Flight Asia Pacific) and Dean Gale (Co-Owner, Phuel) to explore the power of experiential learning.

Together, they unpack why learning sticks best when it’s immersive, engaging and hands-on, and challenge the idea that training needs to be traditional to be effective. From real-world stories to practical insights, they reveal how high-energy experiences drive meaningful behaviour change, strengthen teams and create lasting impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond 'tick-the-box' training and create learning that truly lands, this conversation is for you.

In this candid episode of Phuel Conversations, Nathy Gaffney is joined by Phuel co-owners Jo Pollard and Dean Gale to unpack two decades of lessons in leadership, culture and learning. Together, they share practical insights for HR and TA leaders on building engaging workplace experiences, creating cultures where people thrive and future-proofing talent in a rapidly changing world. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what makes learning truly stick.

In this episode of Phuel Conversations, we explore the power of urgent optimism, what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can use it to drive meaningful change. From real-world examples to actionable strategies, we unpack how fostering this mindset can boost motivation, productivity, and resilience in organisations. Tune in for insights, personal reflections, and practical advice on making optimism a force for transformation.

Connect with Meaghan Archunde and the team at Phuel  

Workplace culture isn’t just a concept, it’s the foundation of every thriving organisation. In this episode, we sit down with Associate Professor Karl Treacher of The Culture Institute to explore what truly defines a great culture, the biggest challenges businesses face, and why investing in culture is more than just a ‘nice-to-have.’ From the impact of leadership to the rise of AI and shifting workforce dynamics, we uncover what it takes to build, measure, and sustain a culture that drives success.

Connect with Jo Pollard and the team at Phuel
Connect with Associate Professor Karl Treacher and The Culture Institute

In the final episode of the Phuel Conversations Mind and Machine mini-series, Nathy Gaffney and Jake James tackle the critical intersection of AI and leadership. They explore how leaders can navigate ethical challenges, build trust through transparency and keep empathy and fairness at the core of AI-driven decision-making. Tune in for insights on human-centred AI, balancing data with human judgment and the evolving role of leadership in an AI-powered workplace.  

In this episode of Phuel Conversations Mind & Machine Series, Nathy Gaffney and Jake James explore how AI is transforming the workplace, not by replacing humans, but by enhancing our skills and creativity. From redefining roles and shifting tasks to reskilling and cultivating AI champions, they discuss the critical skills leaders and teams need to thrive in an AI-augmented world. Tune in for practical insights on balancing human expertise with AI capabilities and preparing your workforce for the future.

In this candid episode of Phuel Conversations, host Nathy Gaffney chats with Phuel Co-Founder and master facilitator Dean Gale about what it really takes to hold a room at high-impact conferences. From preparation and audience connection to handling curveballs, Dean shares stories, lessons, and the energy behind making events truly memorable. Whether you’re onstage, planning a conference, or curious about the craft, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at great facilitation.

In this episode of Phuel Conversations, host Nathy Gaffney chats with Phuel Co-Founder Jo Pollard and Andrew Webster, VP of Organisational Innovation at ExperiencePoint, about what it takes to lead in times of rapid change. They discuss the forces driving transformation, from AI to shifting workplace expectations and share strategies for building resilience, fostering agility and keeping people at the centre of change. Packed with insights and real-world examples, it’s a must-listen for leaders looking to turn disruption into opportunity.

In this episode of Phuel Conversations, host Nathy Gaffney sits down with Phuel experts Jake James and Amanda Hall to unpack the true value of graduate development programs. They explore how these programs build strong talent pipelines, spark innovation, and boost engagement, while also bridging generational gaps and bringing fresh perspectives into organisations. Along the way, they share practical tips, real-world examples, and personal insights for both businesses looking to enhance their graduate programs and emerging professionals wanting to make the most of these opportunities.

In Episode 2 of our AI series, Mind & Machine, Nathy Gaffney and Jake James unpack why AI literacy is a must-have for modern leaders. They explore the “10-Hour Rule” as a low-barrier entry point for building AI fluency and introduce practical tools like the PB&J prompt-writing experiment and the CAGE framework. Whether you're hesitant or curious, this episode offers hands-on tips to help you start experimenting confidently with generative AI, no technical background needed.

Connect with Jake James and the team at Phuel