Explore every episode of the podcast The Human Loop Podcast

What happens when a leadership advisor who's spent years building frameworks around continuous improvement and organisational learning gets dealt a scenario where his most credible competitor makes a move that puts them in direct conflict with his strategy, the noise is deafening, the board is forwarding articles, and there's 10 days before he presents his position? Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Connect with Hugo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugosugden

What happens when a recruitment media founder who runs a business around flexibility and outcomes over hours gets dealt a scenario where someone respected, someone visible, is crossing a line, the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore, and there's an all hands meeting in five days where this person will be publicly recognised for their work? If you're leading through trust violations, trying to balance protecting culture over short term revenue, or want to understand what it looks like to build a business around outcomes instead of hours with individualised contracts for every hire, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a CEO who's leading a 400 person global business built around AI powered productivity gets dealt a scenario where a meaningful strategic decision he championed, a senior sales leader hire he personally made, has produced mixed results at best, the evidence is strong enough that reversing course is defensible, and there's two weeks until the next board meeting? Sabby unpacks how Dext rolled out Claude to every single employee at the start of the year with AI champions by function who teach rather than do it for you, why he can now predict customer churn 120 days in advance using behavioral data like login frequency and invoice processing, and what changed when he started using AI to give his sales team leading indicators that tell them which deals a rep is sandbagging based on historical patterns. If you're leading through hiring mistakes, trying to balance evidence with emotional ownership when the hire was yours, or want to understand what it looks like to roll out AI across an entire organization with champions who teach curiosity, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with Sabby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbygill/ Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a founder who spent 22 years building a £50 million family jewellery business gets dealt a scenario where the revenue number isn't going to hit, the board doesn't know yet, and there's 96 hours to walk into a leadership meeting with a credible plan? Ed draws the Money Card and breaks down his approach in real time. He gets into why owning it straight away comes first, how his dad handed him a sheet of A4 with 30 what if scenarios when he was 23 and said you've got 60 days to answer them all, and what changed when he realised he couldn't lead like his father who did the work of five people. Plus, he unpacks why he spent a million pounds on Google and Meta advertising buying non loyal customers at great expense, how reading They Ask You Answer by Marcus Sheridan changed everything, and what happened when he started producing 300 to 400 personalised videos a week to communicate with his team and customers. The breakdown reveals why his conviction and decision speed scored high at 79% and 82%, how immediate unhedged ownership and going straight to the chair demonstrated clarity under pressure, and where his operator density stayed lower at 52% because the plan stayed reactive to a single scenario rather than weighing up alternatives with named trade offs. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Connect with Ed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ferris-34647112/

What happens when a hospitality leader who co-founded a startup and now runs workplace experience in financial services gets dealt a scenario where her most credible competitor makes a move that puts them in direct conflict with her strategy? Rachel draws the Strategy Card and breaks down her approach in real time. She gets into why authenticity beats following the noise, how pivoting is only okay when it's data led and true to your brand, and why copying something is never going to be as successful as doing the thing authentically. Plus, she unpacks why you can't start to manage others before you can look inside yourself and manage yourself, how she left a 24/7 startup to find space to be present for her team, and what changed when she heard a speaker say that personal development is completely indivisible from team development. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com My Spare Seat - https://myspareseat.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader who's spent the last five years navigating digital transformation and change management gets dealt a scenario where the revenue number isn't going to hit, the board doesn't know yet, and there's 96 hours to walk into a leadership meeting with a credible plan? Ryan draws the Money Card and breaks down his approach in real time. He gets into why owning it comes first, how communication early to the board matters more than waiting for the meeting, and why he'd never walk in with a plan that doesn't have the backing of the people who need to execute it. Plus, he unpacks why not everyone moves at the same pace through change, how passion beats skill in the long run, and what happens when you try to bring a lone wolf into the collective. The breakdown reveals why his conviction and decision speed scored high but his operator density stayed low at 22%, how experience can sometimes become assumption when you've lived the scenario before, and what separates thinking it through in your head from articulating the granular detail out loud under pressure. Ryan scores 44% overall with a Catalyst archetype, high speed and conviction but missing the trade off articulation and specific density that would have lifted the score. If you're leading through change, managing teams through missed targets, or trying to understand what it looks like to balance strategic clarity with operational detail when the pressure's on, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when the host gets put in the hot seat and has to answer his own decision sprint? Ben breaks down his approach in real time, getting into why he'd never walk into that offsite without making the call first, how his answer at 21 would have been to ignore it completely, and what changed when he learned to ask himself is it skill or will before making a decision on someone's future. The breakdown reveals why his reasoning was strong but his specifics stayed abstract, how expensive to hire and expensive to lose needs a number attached to score higher, and what separates a visionary archetype from a builder or catalyst when the pressure's on. If you're leading through tough people decisions, trying to balance backing someone with exiting them cleanly, or just want to see what it looks like when the person asking the questions has to answer them, this one's packed with honest reflections you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a founder who runs a four day work week AI business gets dealt a scenario where their most credible competitor just made a move that puts them in direct conflict with your strategy, the board is forwarding articles, your team is asking questions, and you've got 10 days to present your position? John Readman, founder of Ask Bosco, an AI powered digital marketing platform, draws the Strategy Card and breaks down his approach in real time. He gets into why the four day work week isn't about working less, it's about five days work in four days with better systems and smarter people, how buying a 98 inch TV for the office changed hybrid leadership, and what happened when he recently went through an ADHD diagnosis and started preparing to test medication to see if there's a better version of himself. If you're leading through rapid market change, trying to balance conviction with humility when competitors are moving fast, or just want to understand what it looks like to build a business with a four day work week and above market salaries, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. More from John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreadman/ Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a former Royal Marine turned cybersecurity founder gets dealt a scenario where the revenue number isn't going to hit, the board doesn't know yet, and there's 96 hours to walk into a leadership meeting with a credible plan? Ollie, co-founder of Cybaverse, a 50 person cybersecurity platform that recently closed a £5 million Series A, draws the Money Card and breaks down his approach in real time. He gets into why self-reflection is the biggest leadership lesson he's learned since leaving the military, how the Marines taught him to move forward without always looking back, and what changed when he started running a business with investors, a board, and three daughters who practice jiu-jitsu chokeholds on him at home. The breakdown reveals why his diplomatic approach scored 45% overall with 55% conviction, how he navigated the tension between softening the blow to the board and owning the miss internally, and where his answer would have been stronger if he'd committed to specific actions rather than exploring variables. If you're leading through missed targets, trying to balance transparency with strategy when the board's watching, or just want to understand what operator density looks like when the pressure's on, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Jack from We Have a Meeting took on the Strategy Card scenario, where a credible competitor makes a move that puts them in direct conflict with your strategy. The signal is undeniable, the noise is deafening, Zac is asking questions, the board is forwarding articles, and you've got 10 days to present your position before at least three of your peers make a move. This episode breaks down exactly where Jack's response fell short. Ben unpacks why conviction at 52% wasn't enough to save an operator density score of 22%, how hypotheticals and maybes kill clarity under pressure, and what separates thinking out loud from making a call. Plus, the breakdown gets into why pre mortems and one on ones are valuable but not a strategy, what it means to anchor decisions in what you would do versus what you might do, and why turning the ship around like the Titanic probably isn't the metaphor you want when your team is reacting publicly and competitors are already moving. If you're working on decision speed, trying to lead with clarity when the pressure's on, or just want to understand what operator density actually looks like in practice, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. More from Jack and Zac at We Have a Meeting: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/ Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader with decades of experience across military, recruitment, and M&A gets dealt a scenario about reversing a strategic decision that's publicly attached to their name? James breaks down why good money after bad is nonsense, why waiting for a board meeting to make the call only makes things worse, and how experience teaches you to recognize when something's not working before it becomes catastrophic. He gets into why clarity is one of the most underused words in leadership, how to balance decisive action with cognitive diversity in your war room, and why people don't need you to agree with them, they just need to know what's happening. If you're leading through uncertainty, managing a team that needs clarity more than consensus, or trying to understand what it looks like to reverse course without losing credibility, this one's packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader chooses compassion over clarity in a high stakes decision? Phil Hobden, Head of Advocacy at Sage, scored 35% on his Decision Sprint. This episode breaks down exactly why. Ben unpacks Phil's approach to the Trust Card scenario, where someone respected and visible is crossing a line and about to be publicly recognised in five days. The breakdown reveals why his person centric approach, while admirable, missed the wider organisational impact, how thinking in options before committing to a stance cost him points, and where the contrast with other leaders who faced the same scenario shows a fundamentally different leadership philosophy. Plus, the episode gets into what happens when you focus on the individual at the expense of the team, why calling people out in public is never the right move, and what it means to balance being humane with being responsible for culture across the organisation. If you're working on your own decision making, leading through tough calls involving people you respect, or trying to understand what separates a compassionate response from a complete one, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. More from Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhobden/?originalSubdomain=uk Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a 40 year recruitment veteran with a reputation for building legendary teams takes on a live Decision Sprint? Gary Goldsmith, founder of multiple training vehicles including RDLC, Proud to be a Pirate, and Pi Cubed, draws the Reversal Card and immediately says it's too easy. He passes. Then gets dealt a scenario about defending a strategic bet that's produced mixed results at best. His response? "I've got such a big ego and confidence in my own ability, that's never going to fail." Gary breaks down why he doesn't believe in motivating staff, why he thinks that's their job not his, how he built a business where people queued around the block to take a pay cut to join, and why he kept rookies in interviews all day so they couldn't make other meetings. Plus, the episode unpacks his approach to leadership under pressure, why he sent flowers to employees' mums after asking them not to cook dinner, the red phone in the office that triggered a sprint across the floor, and why he fired someone who tried to negotiate by handing in their notice. Gary scores 36% overall but hits 72% on conviction, the highest conviction score on the leaderboard. His archetype? Catalyst. High speed, high conviction, zero hedging. If you're leading a team, building a business, or trying to understand what it looks like to lead with absolute clarity and zero apology, this one's for you. More from Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygoldsmith/ Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader who topped the leaderboard breaks down their decision in real time? Saeed Bor, founder of Embedded Ops and 15 year recruitment veteran, scored 56% on his Decision Sprint, the highest score on the leaderboard at the time. This episode breaks down exactly why. Ben unpacks Saeed's approach to the Trust Card scenario, where someone respected and visible is crossing a line and about to be publicly recognized in five days. The breakdown reveals why his pause before answering mattered, how his values led conviction drove an 85% conviction score, and where he dropped points on operator density. Plus, the episode gets into what separates a strong decision from a complete one, why clarity of values translates to decision speed, and what it means to lead with authenticity even when it damages your standing. If you're working on your own decision making, leading through tough calls, or trying to understand what high performing leadership actually looks like under pressure, this breakdown is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a high-performing sales leader who thrives on clarity gets put under pressure with zero direction? Scarlett, an AI-powered influence marketing leader with over a decade of experience across estate agency, recruitment, and tech sales, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the Strategy Card. She gets into why psychological safety isn't about freedom, it's about clarity. Why emotional regulation matters more than experience when competitors make noise. And what she learned about leadership from going from hitting numbers to building partnerships with no playbook. Plus, the conversation unpacks why ambiguity creates distrust, how to lead when your board is forwarding you articles and your team is asking questions, and what it means to stay grounded when everyone around you is reacting. If you're leading through change, managing a team in a noisy market, or trying to stay calm when competitors are making moves, this one's packed with honest reflections you can apply immediately. Powered by Atherio, real-time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader who topped the leaderboard unpacks their decision-making process in real time? Ollie Whiting, Group CEO of La Fosse, a £200 million staffing and consulting business, scored 57% on his Decision Sprint, the highest score on the leaderboard at the time. This episode breaks down exactly why. More from Oli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverwhiting/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

John Reynolds, founder of Titan Property Developments and host of Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, sits down for a conversation that goes deep on what it actually means to lead yourself before you lead anyone else. He gets into why leadership is less about experience and more about relationships, what he learned from scaling a £250 million property business before walking away, and how conducting an orchestra is a better metaphor for leadership than leading from the front. Plus, the conversation unpacks cold showers as resilience training, the cost of being present across business and family, why vulnerability is now a competitive advantage, and the non-negotiable everyone breaks: sleep. If you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to stay human in a world moving faster than ever, this one's for you. More from John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnreynolds1/ Check out Extraordinary Life Stories: https://www.youtube.com/@johnreynoldsofficial/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Natalie Arendale, MBA, Enterprise Payments & Commercial Leader with 10+ years scaling fintech businesses across APAC and London, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the Strategy Card. She gets into what leading a team she'd never met through a global pandemic taught her about intentional leadership, why silence is the worst move when a competitor makes a move in market, and how to keep high-performance sales teams steady when they've already read the threat before you have. Plus, we break down her Decision Sprint score, strengths, watch outs, and leadership archetype in real time — and she tops the leaderboard at 68%. More from Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliearendale/ Powered by Atherio, real-time leadership wisdom for every manager — https://www.getatherio.com Connect with your host Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

Ollie Whiting, Group CEO of La Fosse , a £200 million staffing and consulting business, takes on a live Decision Sprint and draws the People Card. He also gets into what he's learned about leadership over the last five years, why employee ownership changes everything, the role of a meeting chair in surfacing real opinions, and why indecision is more dangerous than a wrong call. Plus, we break down his Decision Sprint score, strengths, watch outs, and leadership archetype in real time. More from Oli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverwhiting/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What Would You Do If You Knew Someone Was Crossing a Line? Phil Hobden, Head of Advocacy at Sage, takes on a live AI-powered leadership challenge — and draws the Trust Card. The scenario: a respected, visible colleague is crossing a line. A public recognition event is five days away. Do you say something? When? How? His answer unpacks difficult conversations, when to escalate, and why staying silent is always a choice. Phil also gets into what he looks for before joining any business, why culture beats product every time, and why a room full of yes-people is one of the biggest red flags in any organisation. More from Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhobden/?originalSubdomain=uk Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a leader discovers someone is crossing a line and has five days before they're publicly recognized for their work? In this episode of The Human Loop Podcast, Saeed Bor, founder of Embedded Ops and 15-year recruitment veteran, takes on a live Decision Sprint that tests his values, speed, and leadership instincts under pressure. Plus, Saeed shares a real-world example of a leader handling a line-crossing moment with speed and conviction, and we unpack what it means to lead as a Catalyst. If you're building teams, managing change, or navigating tough calls as a founder or operator, this episode is packed with honest insights you can apply today. Chapters 00:00 Meet Saeed — Embedded Ops & 15 Years in Recruitment 03:37 The Lonely Founder Myth 05:00 Building Your Network as a Business Strategy 06:27 Why Human Connection Still Wins in an AI World 09:12 Getting Buy-In: Understanding What People Actually Want 11:30 Everyone's Selfish — And That's Okay 14:10 The Decision Sprint Begins 18:23 The Trust Card: Someone's Crossing a Line 19:16 Saeed's Answer — Values, Speed & Accountability 23:00 Can a Line Ever Be Un-Crossed? 25:27 A Real-World Example of Leaders Acting Fast 27:44 What If You're the Outside Consultant? 29:59 Indecision Is Worse Than a Wrong Decision 31:33 The Score Reveal & Leaderboard 32:00 Breaking Down the Scorecard 34:37 The Catalyst Archetype — What It Means to Lead This Way Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

What happens when a founder is forced to make a high-stakes leadership decision in real time? In this episode of The Human Loop Podcast, Zach and Jack from We Have A Meeting take on a live leadership challenge designed to test strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making under pressure. The conversation dives into: Why motivation goes beyond money Building high-performing teams through ownership The “48-hour rule” for solving problems fast How founders stay calm when competitors make aggressive moves Why asking better questions creates stronger leaders Plus, Jack is put through a live “Decision Sprint” and scored on his leadership response in real time. If you’re a founder, leader, operator, or building a team, this episode is packed with practical leadership insights you can apply immediately. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Meet the Founders 00:00:49 Leadership Lessons Learned in 5 Years 00:02:49 Working Apart as Co-Founders 00:04:38 The Leadership Decision Sprint Begins 00:07:25 The Competitor Crisis Scenario 00:08:57 Jack’s Live Leadership Response 00:13:40 Staying Calm Under Pressure 00:14:17 Real Story: Competitor Bought Their Brand Search Term 00:16:46 The Power of the “Pre-Mortem” 00:18:31 The “One Big Thing” Leadership System 00:19:14 The 48-Hour Rule Explained 00:22:21 The 3 Questions Every Employee Must Answer 00:24:21 Leadership Score Revealed 00:25:41 Where the Leadership Response Fell Short 00:27:24 Communication vs Clarity in Leadership 00:28:30 Final Thoughts & Future Challenge Check out "We Have a Meeting" with Zac & Jack: https://www.wehaveameeting.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager -https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

This week on The Human Loop, I'll be sharing key insights from my day at Aibl Live, a leadership and AI event in London attended by CEOs, founders, and business leaders across the UK. What started as a conversation about AI quickly became a conversation about leadership, culture, trust, and the future of work. I break down the “three cliffs” preventing businesses from seeing real ROI from AI adoption: strategic clarity, divisional alignment, and individual capability. Plus, insights from leaders at WPP, Ipsos, and The Happiness Index on change fatigue, psychological safety, middle management, and why junior talent may be most at risk in the AI decade. Check out Aibl here - https://live.aiblmedia.com/e/london26 Chapters Chapters 00:01:41 Why AI conversations are really about leadership 00:03:25 The “Three Cliffs” of AI adoption 00:03:54 Cliff #1: Strategic clarity & leadership alignment 00:04:47 Cliff #2: Divisional alignment & ROI 00:05:38 Cliff #3: Individual capability vs tool access 00:07:59 The hidden inequality risk in AI adoption 00:08:26 Change fatigue and leadership in modern business 00:09:14 Why morale and disengagement are rising 00:09:41 Young people reporting the lowest workplace happiness 00:10:08 The junior talent crisis AI may create 00:10:31 Ben’s roundtable: Building a culture that can handle the truth 00:13:14 Five key leadership takeaways from the event 00:16:33 What the winning companies of the AI decade will do differently 00:17:31 Final thoughts & outro Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

This week I answer some quick-fire questions on AI, the knowing–doing gap, and why businesses are investing heavily in leadership development but still struggling to see real results. I cover the $366B spent on people each year, why most learning doesn’t translate into performance, and what really happens when it’s time to apply it in the real world. I also share thoughts on how AI is starting to support leaders with real-time insights and what responsible use of that data actually looks like. If you're thinking about the future of leadership and performance, this is a good one to dive into. Chapters Chapters 00:00:10 The $366B Learning Problem 00:02:09 The Knowing–Doing Gap 00:04:30 Fixing It with Real-Time Coaching 00:06:56 Why Managers Aren’t Measured Properly 00:09:33 What Customers Actually Experience 00:11:50 Real Results & Growth Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week’s episode, we unpack some of the best moments from recent shows, exploring what it really means to keep the human in the loop in an AI-driven world. From rethinking how businesses measure value (time vs revenue), to the growing gap in leadership support, we highlight the conversations that matter most right now. We also dive into how AI is reshaping roles, not replacing them, and why adaptability is becoming the most important skill in modern work. Chapters Chapters 00:00:30 Time vs revenue thinking 00:02:00 The leadership support gap 00:02:40 Building Atherio 00:04:10 Values and cultural fit 00:05:50 AI in recruitment 00:07:20 The rise of AI 00:08:20 Keeping the human element 00:09:00 Saving time with automation 00:10:20 How jobs are evolving 00:11:00 The power of reflection 00:11:30 Why culture matters 00:13:30 When AI goes wrong Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, I sit down with Dodge Woodall, a serial entrepreneur and we explore the tension between the rapid rise of AI and the growing loss of human connection. We break down how AI is being used in real life and business, the difference between tools like ChatGPT and Claude, and why understanding this technology is becoming essential to stay relevant. Finally, we unpack the truth about building a business today. Why it’s harder than ever, what’s changing for the next generation, and why entrepreneurship is still one of the most challenging (and rewarding) paths you can take. Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:00 How Dodge Uses AI (ChatGPT vs Real Life) 00:02:00 The Rise of a “Fake” World Online 00:03:00 Why Human Connection Is Disappearing 00:04:30 Trust, Personal Brand & Authenticity 00:07:00 Why Curiosity Builds Real Relationships 00:09:00 Fear of Judgment & Starting a Business 00:11:00 ChatGPT vs Claude 00:15:00 AI Is Accelerating Faster Than We Think 00:16:30 Remote Work vs Real Human Interaction 00:18:30 Will AI Replace Entry-Level Jobs? 00:20:00 Why Business Is So Hard Right Now 00:22:00 The Reality of Hiring & Costs in 2026 00:24:00 Should You Build a Business in the UK? 00:25:00 The Skills That Will Matter in the Future 00:28:30 AI in Events vs Real Human Experience 00:31:00 Social Media, Phones & Lost Moments 00:33:30 The Mental Health Impact of Social Media 00:35:00 Why He Invested in a Mental Health App 00:37:00 Entrepreneurship Is an Extreme Sport 00:40:00 Why People Don’t Trust Anything Anymore 00:41:30 The Lonely Chapter of Building a Business 00:42:30 The Truth About Money in Business 00:44:00 Why Personal Brand Matters More Than Ever 00:45:00 Final Thoughts Connect with Dodge - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodgewoodall Check out JAAQ - https://jaaq.app Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, we break down the growing disengagement crisis in the global workforce and why it’s costing businesses trillions. We also get into the real root of the problem: leadership. Why leaders aren’t paying attention, how that’s impacting productivity and retention, and what it means when only a fraction of your workforce is truly engaged. Finally, we unpack what “engagement” actually means in practice, why this isn’t a talent problem, and how leaders can start rebuilding connection, focus, and performance inside their teams. Full Research - https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, we break down the gap between knowing what great leadership looks like and actually doing it consistently. We explore why so many founders and managers struggle to apply what they already know, and how a lack of consistency, feedback, and repetition holds teams back. We also get into the role of energy in leadership, building trust through small behaviours, and how to create a culture that actually reflects your values, not just what you say. Chapters Chapters 00:00:10 The “Knowing vs Doing” Gap in Leadership 00:03:10 Does a Leader’s Energy Impact Performance? 00:08:25 Why Leaders Shouldn’t Always “Save the Day” 00:09:30 Coaching vs Being the Expert 00:11:57 Building Better Weekly Leadership Habits 00:20:21 How Culture Breaks as You Scale 00:23:32 The Problem with Leadership Development Today 00:25:10 The Idea Behind Real-Time Leadership Feedback (A Theory) 00:27:03 Measuring Leadership & Team Engagement 00:30:41 Is This Just Surveillance? 00:33:48 Finding a Co-Founder 00:39:41 Final Takeaways on Leadership & Development Check out the Founders 500: https://founders500.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, I break down what it really takes to transition from being an operator to becoming an effective leader. I share the biggest mistakes I see founders and first-time leaders make, from holding onto the “do everything” mindset to skipping the foundations that actually make teams perform. We also get into how to build strong team cultures, hire for the right reasons, and give feedback in a way that develops people rather than demotivates them. Chapters Chapters 00:00:23 Who Is Ben? 00:01:07 Sahara Marathon Challenge 00:02:26 Rugby to Career Pivot 00:05:42 Lockdown Decision Moment 00:07:04 Building a 7-Figure Business 00:08:13 Where Leadership Started 00:12:32 Biggest Leadership Mistakes 00:15:18 The Delegation Problem 00:18:15 Leadership at Every Level 00:20:08 How to Onboard Properly 00:21:11 Culture Explained Simply 00:26:57 Why Feedback Is Hard 00:27:16 The Worst Feedback Ever 00:30:06 How to Give Better Feedback 00:33:14 Difficult Conversations Check out the Founders 500: https://founders500.com Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Curtis to explore what it really takes to make AI work inside modern businesses. We unpack why messy data, fragmented systems, and inconsistent processes are holding companies back and why the real challenge isn’t the tech, but people and behaviour. If you’re trying to figure out how AI fits into your business and how to balance automation with human input, this one’s right up your street. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Intro: AI, Recruitment & The Human Loop 00:01:53 The AI Wake-Up Call for Businesses 00:05:12 The Hidden Behaviour Problem in Teams 00:06:21 Why Process Matters More Than AI Tools 00:12:22 The Biggest AI Mistake: Volume Over Quality 00:13:50 Why People Reject AI Outreach Instantly 00:15:09 Measuring AI ROI: Time vs Revenue 00:17:29 How AI Should Reshape Roles 00:23:34 Selection vs Attraction: What AI Can’t Replace 00:27:20 When AI Projects Actually Succeed 00:29:02 Why Most Tech Rollouts Fail 00:30:16 The $100K Mistake: Tools No One Uses 00:33:24 Why Humans Still Matter in AI 00:38:11 Final Thoughts: The Future of Work Connect with Simon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncurtisrec Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode, I sit down with Paul, founder of Ookkee, to talk about how modern service businesses are evolving, the role of AI in day-to-day operations, and what it really means to build an efficient, future-proof company. We dive into how Ookkee operates as a bookkeeping business, how AI is being integrated into their workflow, and why the real opportunity isn’t replacing people, but enabling better decisions, faster delivery, and more value for clients. We also explore how the industry is changing and what founders need to understand to stay competitive. If you’re building a business or trying to figure out how AI actually fits into your operations, this one’s right up your street. Connect with Paul - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarke-ookkee Check out ookkee - https://www.ookkee.co.uk Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this weeks round up I discuss the critical issues facing leadership today, including high stress levels among managers, the importance of talent density, and the challenges of AI integration in organisations. He emphasizes the need for real-time engagement, effective change management, and empathetic leadership to navigate these complexities. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to The Weekly Loop 00:00:28 The Leadership Stress Crisis 00:01:07 Why Middle Management Matters More Than Ever 00:02:17 Talent Density and Protecting Business Margins 00:03:12 Real-Time Employee Engagement 00:03:39 The Long-Term Stress Leaders Have Faced Since 2020 00:04:11 How Leaders Should Handle Constant Change 00:05:04 Why CEOs Believe Their Jobs Depend on AI 00:05:41 Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail 00:06:29 The Change Management Mistake Companies Make 00:07:26 The Change Equation: Why People Resist Change 00:08:18 Closing the Knowing–Doing Gap 00:09:04 The Risk of Losing Your Best Leaders 00:10:02 Why Talent Density Will Define Winning Companies Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

I’m Ben, founder of Atherio and my mission is simple: enable the performance and wellbeing of 10 million managers in the next three years. In this episode, I share why managers have one of the toughest jobs in business, why most don’t get the support they need, and how we’re bridging the gap between knowing what good leadership looks like and actually doing it. From elite sport with England national rugby union team to working with global organisations, I’ve seen what makes teams flourish and what causes them to fail. If you care about building high-performing teams without burning people out, this one’s for you. Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week’s episode of the Human in the Loop podcast, I sit down with Nikki, Managing Director of Ferox Partners, to explore what AI really means for recruitment, leadership, and the future of work. We unpack how AI can drive speed and efficiency in hiring without losing the human relationships that build trust, culture, and performance. From cultural fit versus skill set, to offshoring, early-career development, and burnout in lean teams. We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction & Lunch at Lashings 00:02:30 Ferox Partners & Running Lean with AI 00:06:00 AI in Recruitment: Efficiency vs Human Judgment 00:10:30 Cultural Fit vs Skillset: What Really Matters? 00:14:45 Will AI Replace Human Roles? 00:19:30 Trust, Emotion & The “Bad Sandwich” Analogy 00:23:30 On-Site Client Work & The Value of Human Insight 00:29:00 Offshoring vs AI: The Future of Recruitment Models 00:36:00 Entry-Level Jobs & The Impact of AI on Early Careers 00:41:30 Education, MBAs & Preparing Graduates for AI-First Workplaces 00:47:00 Parental Responsibility & Work Ethic in the Next Generation 00:52:00 Burnout, Lean Teams & Manager Capability 00:57:00 Risk, Development & The Future of Leadership Connect with Nikki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-foster-21014223/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week's episode I sit down with Lily Kyriacou to discuss the challenges of reactive fixes in business, particularly in the context of team dynamics and performance. Lily shares her experiences at Amdaris, where she observed that traditional approaches to problem-solving were inadequate in a rapidly changing environment. We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Business Challenges 00:01:23 The Impact of Reactive Fixes 00:05:32 Understanding Team Dynamics 00:10:18 The Importance of Adaptability 00:12:13 Exploring Solutions for Resilience 00:19:52 Identifying Key Behaviors in Teams 00:25:34 The Shift from Skills to Job Identities 00:30:08 Reinventing How We Approach Our People Connect with Lilly - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilykyriacou Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week's episode, Ruth and I discuss the importance of strategic planning for 2026, emphasising the need for business leaders to reflect on past performance and set clear goals. We explore the integration of AI in the construction industry, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and safety. Ruth also addresses the challenges of adopting AI, advocating for treating it as a team member and ensuring proper training for employees. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Strategic Planning for the New Year 00:03:13 AI in the Construction Industry 00:10:01 Integrating AI as a Team Member 00:16:59 Enhancing Project Management with AI 00:21:20 The Future of AI in Construction 00:30:21 Transforming Construction Through Data and Automation Connect with Ruth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-oates-864b2b3/?originalSubdomain=uk Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode of the Human Loop podcast, I discuss two main topics: the importance of understanding one's purpose in leadership, inspired by a podcast featuring Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi, and the rising adoption of AI in the workplace, as highlighted by a recent Gallup study. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Exploring Leadership and Purpose 00:03:50 The Rise of AI in the Workplace Watch the conversation with Tony & Alex referenced here: https://youtu.be/xz-ymFOhBAE?si=YZxtgVx_Y7JxGdK7 Study Mentioned: https://app.e.gallup.com/e/es?s=831949997&e=4411946&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=8a49383f2812429785f47237c625512f&elqaid=16041&elqat=1&elqak=8AF5FB05DB48FD93D787A44BE55A195E925B0FF358E0599887B460C22E481365422F Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week's episode I sit down with Andrew Fahey to discuss the challenges and opportunities for CEOs in 2026, emphasising the importance of realistic optimism. We explore the role of AI in transforming professional services, the necessity of human skills in a tech-driven world, and the innovative approaches Briars is taking to enhance client experience and internal processes. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Navigating 2026: Realistic Optimism for CEOs 00:02:57 Briars: Global Expansion and Professional Services 00:05:56 AI Disruption in Professional Services 00:09:00 The Human Element in AI Integration 00:11:47 Transforming Client Experience with AI 00:15:01 Internal Use Cases for AI in Leadership 00:19:58 The Future of Onboarding and Human Skills 00:24:39 Generational Challenges in Professional Services 00:29:48 Conclusion: Embracing Change for Success Connect with Andrew - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfahey/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this episode I'm joined by Charlie Voller Barnes to discuss the intersection of human performance and AI, exploring the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies. We delve into the importance of clarity in goals, the role of people in transformation, and the necessity of continuous feedback and experimentation. Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Human Performance and AI 00:02:03 The State of AI in Business 00:05:05 Understanding Transformation Failures 00:08:41 The Role of People in Transformation 00:13:31 Experimentation and Incremental Change 00:19:31 Communicating Change Effectively 00:30:03 Top Tips for Implementing AI Products Connect with Charlie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvollerbarnes/ Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week's Human Loop I discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in 2026, emphasising the critical role of AI and the necessity for leaders to adapt their strategies. I highlights the importance of human skills, trust, and purpose in driving organisational performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by skill gaps in the workforce. Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 The State of Leadership in 2026 00:02:27 Strategic Leadership as a Core Skill 00:04:22 The Importance of Human Skills and Trust 00:07:16 Closing the Gap Between Tech and Human Capability Studies Mentioned: Story 1: UK business investment in AI and training https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/assets/pdfs/media/press-releases/2025-press-releases/lloyds-bank/31.12.2025-lloyds-new-year-flash-business-barometer.pdf  Story 2: Survey coverage & additional context https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre/insight/business-barometer.html  Story 3: Skills gaps & transformation barriers World Economic Forum summary on skills gaps and upskilling priorities https://gloat.com/blog/ai-employment-impact/  Story 4: AI in the workplace & skills obsolescence https://www.secondtalent.com/resources/future-of-workplace-statistics-that-are-important-to-know/ Connect with The host - Ben Stocken https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this week's episode of The Human Loop, Agni and I discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership and recruitment, the role of honesty in attracting talent, and the impact of AI on the recruitment process. Chapters Chapters 00:00:00 Leadership Failures and Authenticity 00:03:04 The Role of Honesty in Recruitment 00:06:04 Speed to Hire: Strategies for Success 00:08:45 AI Adoption in Recruitment 00:11:45 The Future of AI in Staffing 00:14:35 Human vs AI in Recruitment 00:17:41 Building Trust in Recruitment 00:20:44 The Importance of Relationships 00:23:48 Differentiating in a Crowded Market 00:26:47 Leadership Metrics: Sacrifice and Challenge 00:29:41 Meaningful Work and Team Success Connect with Agni https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnighosh Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this weekly loop I discuss the latest research and trends in human performance, AI integration in business, employee engagement, and the challenges of burnout. We highlight the significant use of AI in organizations, the concerning decline in employee engagement, and the critical need for effective communication and support for managers and employees to combat burnout and enhance productivity. Powered By Atherio: https://www.atheriohq.com/ Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 The Rise of AI in Business 00:02:47 Employee Engagement Trends 00:06:07 The Burnout Crisis 00:08:55 AI Training and HR Integration 00:11:48 Leadership and AI Strategy Disconnect 00:15:02 Key Takeaways and Future Focus Studies Mentioned: Story 1: The AI Value Gap "The State of AI 2025: Agents, innovation, and transformation" Source: McKinsey & Company URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai Story 2: Manager Engagement Crisis "State of the Global Workplace 2025" Source: Gallup URL: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/state-of-global-workplace Story 3: Burnout at All-Time High "Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change" Source: DHR Global URL: https://huntscanlon.com/workforce-trends-2026-leaders-confront-burnout-disengagement-and-ai-driven-change/ Story 4: The AI Training Gap "2025 Talent Trends: Artificial Intelligence in HR" Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Published: February 2025 URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-talent-trends/ai-in-hr Story 5: The AI Strategy Illusion "Workforce 2025 Global Insights Report" Source: Korn Ferry URL: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/korn-ferry-reveals-workforce-2025-research Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager Connect with The host - Ben Stocken https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this episode of the Human Loop I sit down with Mizan Rahman, co-founder of Emerge IQ and an OG of the Ai space. We discuss the evolution of AI, the importance of human synthesis in technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in society. Chapters: Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to AI and Human Performance 00:02:30 Exploring Human Synthesis in AI 00:12:38 The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction 00:21:53 AI's Impact on Leadership and Organizational Change 00:43:08 Empowering Organizations through the Human Loop Connect with Miz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizan-rahman Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager Connect with The host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this week's loop I talk about how AI, leadership, and workplace innovation all connect. I explain that AI tools can be helpful, but the real challenge is building strong leadership, because that’s what actually drives meaningful change in an organization. I share five stories that show how HR is starting to focus more on developing leaders, why workplace innovation matters, the hurdles companies face when adopting AI, and the rising issue of employee burnout. In the end, my main point is that if organizations want better productivity and more engaged employees, they need to invest in their leaders. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Human Loop and AI in Leadership 00:59 Workplace Innovation: The Role of Leadership 03:24 Leadership Development: A New Priority for HR 05:45 The AI Silicon Ceiling: Bridging the Gap 07:43 CEOs and Social Media: A Strategic Retreat 09:39 The Burnout Engagement Paradox 12:27 Conclusion: Leadership as the Bottleneck Studies Mentioned: Story 1: Workplace Innovation Story 2: Leadership Development #1 Priority Story 3: The AI Silicon Ceiling Story 4: CEOs Going Quiet Story 5: Burnout-Engagement Paradox Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager Connect with The host - Ben Stocken