Explore every episode of the podcast The Workplace Podcast in association with Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Rebecca Hinds, organizational behaviour and future-of-work expert and author of Your Best Meeting Ever: Seven Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done.

From meeting overload and “Meeting Doomsdays” to multitasking, productivity theatre and the rise of AI, Rebecca shares practical, research-backed ways to rethink one of the most common—and costly—parts of working life.

They explore why bad meetings were once recommended as a wartime sabotage tactic, how organizations can reclaim hours of lost time, why standing meetings can be more effective, and the simple 4D CEO test for deciding whether a meeting deserves to exist at all.

A practical conversation for anyone who has ever looked at their calendar and wondered: Does this really need to be a meeting?

Find out more about the work Rebecca does here: Rebecca Hinds | Leading Expert on Meetings & the Future of Work

This episode is brought to you in association with Dynamic Partners: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Oscar de Bos, author of Focus: Fuel Your Attention to Get More Done, to explore the neuroscience behind focus, distraction and productivity.

Why are our brains so easily distracted? Why can doing nothing actually make us more productive? And could the way we manage our time be part of the problem?

Oscar shares practical insights into focus management rather than time management, including the four “concentration leaks” that drain our attention, the importance of mind wandering and boredom, the impact of interruptions on deep work, and why managers have an important role to play in protecting their teams’ focus.

They also discuss decision fatigue, digital distractions, power naps, creativity and simple ways to design our working environments and habits around how our brains actually work.

A practical conversation for anyone who wants to work with their attention rather than constantly fighting against it.

Find out more about Oscar and his work here: Oscar de Bos

This episode is brought to you in association with Dynamic Partners: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless welcomes back Morra Aarons-Mele, speaker, executive coach, host of The Anxious Achiever podcast, and author of The Anxious Achiever, to explore how leaders can unlock the potential of neuro strengths in the workplace.

Together, they discuss why understanding how different brains work isn't just about inclusion, it's about creating environments where people can do their best work. From anxiety and ADHD to psychological safety, self-awareness and team dynamics, this conversation challenges traditional thinking about performance, leadership and what it really takes to help people thrive.

Whether you're a leader, manager or simply looking to better understand yourself and those around you, this episode is packed with practical insights on building stronger teams through empathy, flexibility and honest conversations.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, neuro strengths and creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Find out more about Morra and her work here: Morra Aarons-Mele | The Anxious Achiever

This episode is brought to you in association with Dynamic Partners: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Camilla Kring, Thinkers50 Radar thinker, author of ChronoLeadership, and one of the world's leading experts on chronobiology and productive work rhythms.

Why do some people thrive at 6 a.m. while others do their best thinking late in the evening? And what if the traditional 9-to-5 workday is holding back both productivity and wellbeing?

William and Camilla explore the science of chronotypes, the impact of our natural body clocks on performance, and why organisations need to rethink how work is designed in today's knowledge economy. They discuss everything from early-riser bias and social jet lag to flexible work, team productivity, leadership, and creating workplaces that help people perform at their best.

Whether you're a leader looking to unlock your team's potential or simply curious about your own work rhythms, this conversation offers practical insights that could change the way you think about work and time itself.

Find out more about the work Camilla does here: About – appliedchronobiology.com

Thanks to Dynamic Partners for sponsoring this episode: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Professor Linda Hill, one of the world's leading experts on leadership and innovation, to explore what it really takes to build organisations that innovate consistently.

Drawing on over 25 years of research and insights from her latest book, Genius at Scale, Linda explains why innovation isn't about having all the answers, it's about creating the conditions where people are willing to contribute their ideas, challenge each other constructively, and solve problems together.

Together they discuss why innovation is a voluntary act, the leadership behaviours that foster creativity, the roles of the Architect, Bridger and Catalyst, leading through uncertainty, and why healthy conflict is essential for breakthrough thinking.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating organisational change, or looking to create a more innovative culture, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

Find out more about the book here: Genius at Scale – What makes a great leader?

This episode is in association with Dynamic Partners: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Joe O’Connor, CEO & Co-Founder of Work Time Revolution and author of Do More in Four, to explore one of the most debated ideas in modern work - the four-day work week.

But this conversation goes far beyond working fewer hours.

Joe shares powerful insights on AI adoption, productivity, burnout, and why the future of work may depend less on hours worked and more on how effectively we think, collaborate, and create.

Together, William and Joe explore: • Why the four-day work week is really an operational excellence strategy • How AI is changing the value of human work • Why “performative busyness” is damaging productivity • What leaders must do to build sustainable high performance

If you’re thinking about the future of leadership, productivity, and workplace culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Find out more about the work Joe does here: Work Time Revolution

Thanks to Dynamic Partners for bringing this episode:  We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Martin Dubin—clinical psychologist, entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader.

Together, they explore the hidden blind spots that can derail leadership effectiveness, why our greatest strengths can sometimes become our biggest weaknesses, and how greater self-awareness can unlock stronger performance, better relationships, and more effective leadership.

Topics include:

• The difference between strengths and "supernovas"
• Why self-awareness is a leadership superpower
• The role of emotions in decision-making
• Identity shifts when moving into leadership roles
• How blind spots impact teams, culture, and performance
• Practical strategies for creating meaningful behaviour change

A thought-provoking conversation packed with practical insights for leaders at every level.

Find out more about the work Martin does here: Martin Dubin – Author of Blindspotting™, Psychologist, and Executive Coach

Sponsored by Dynamic Partners

🌐 Dynamic Partners: We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William welcomes back Amy Gallo, bestselling author of 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 and one of the leading voices on conflict and communication at work.

This conversation explores a topic many teams still struggle with: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥?

Amy shares practical insights on why healthy conflict is often a sign of trust, not dysfunction, and how avoiding difficult conversations can quietly damage team performance, relationships, and psychological safety.

🔥 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 – Strong teams don’t avoid disagreement; they learn how to navigate it 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 – Avoiding issues today creates bigger problems later 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 – How gossip and backchannel conversations undermine trust 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 – Why honest feedback and reflection actually strengthen relationships 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 – The simple habits high-performing teams use to create healthier conversations

A hugely practical conversation for leaders, managers, and teams navigating pressure, disagreement, and collaboration in modern workplaces.

Find out more about Amy: AMY GALLO

Sponsored by Dynamic Partners We are ambitious for your leadership, are you? - Dynamic Partners

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Nelson P. Repenning  — Distinguished Professor at MIT Sloan, Director of MIT’s Leadership Center, and coauthor of There’s Got to Be a Better Way: How to Deliver Results and Get Rid of the Stuff That Gets in the Way of Real Work.

Together, they explore why so many organizations become trapped in constant firefighting, overload, and reactive working — and what leaders can do instead to create workplaces that are dynamic, adaptive, and capable of continuous learning.

Nelson shares practical insights from decades of research and consulting work with organizations including Harley-Davidson, Toyota, and leading innovation teams.

🔥 Key topics in this episode include:

• Why most organizations are designed for a predictable world that no longer exists
• The hidden dangers of “firefighting culture”
• Why keeping everyone busy actually reduces performance
• The concept of “firefighting arsonists”
• How overload creates chaos and burnout
• Why psychological safety is essential for organizational learning
• The power of visual management and better workflow design
• How leaders can create more focus, alignment, and adaptability

This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for anyone managing teams, leading change, or trying to create healthier and more effective ways of working.

Find out more about Nelson:

• MIT Sloan: MIT Sloan School of ManagementNelson P. Repenning | MIT Sloan
• Shift Gear: The ShiftGear Mission - ShiftGear

🎧 The Workplace Podcast is proudly brought to you in association with Dynamic Partners - contact us today to start the conversation about leadership in your organisation.

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Phil Le-Brun, co-author of The Octopus Organization and former International CIO at McDonald’s.

Together, they explore the realities of organisational transformation - why so many initiatives fail, and how leaders can build more adaptive, empowered, and high-performing teams.

Phil shares practical insights on ownership, decision-making, and culture, including why “artificial ownership” is so common in organisations, how gatekeepers slow progress, and what it really takes to create clarity of purpose at scale.

From the concept of “pigs and chickens” to the dangers of “watermelon reporting,” this episode is packed with memorable frameworks and real-world examples that challenge traditional ways of working.

A must-listen for leaders looking to empower their teams, improve accountability, and navigate complexity more effectively. Find out more about the book here: The Octopus Organization | a guide to thriving in a world of continuous transformation

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Scott D. Anthony-Leading Expert on Disruptive Innovation-to explore why even the most successful organisations struggle to adapt in times of change.

Drawing on stories from Epic Disruptions, Scott brings innovation to life-from Julia Child’s journey to mastery, to Florence Nightingale’s data-driven impact, and the decades-long story behind Gorilla Glass.

Together, they unpack why great companies miss disruption, the myths that hold organisations back, and the behaviours that drive real innovation.

🔥 You’ll learn:

• Why innovation is about value-not just ideas
• Why successful companies miss major shifts
• How your best customers can hold you back
• The behaviours that drive innovation in any role

💡 A powerful episode for anyone looking to lead, adapt, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. Find out more about the Scott here: Epic Disruptions

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Thinkers50 Award-Winning Leadership Expert and co-author of The Science of Leadership, Jeffrey Hull.

Jeffrey brings over 30 years of experience translating cutting-edge research into practical leadership impact. Together, they explore what leadership really means today—and why it’s no longer about the individual, but about how we bring others with us.

From quieting the ego to navigating conflict and building high-performing teams, this episode is packed with powerful insights for leaders at every level.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why leadership is no longer about “I” but about “we”

• How to balance performance with people—and why winning alone isn’t sustainable

• The concept of the “noisy ego” and how it impacts your leadership

• Why conflict is essential for innovation and growth

• How to build alignment through shared leadership

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their leadership impact in a complex, fast-changing world.

Find out more about the work Jeffrey does here: JEFFREY HULL

Thanks to Resolution Intelligence for sponsoring this episode. For more information visit: resolution-intelligence.com

"When a woman was seen having a hot flash, she was rated as less competent and less likely to be chosen as the leader.”

That’s one of the research findings shared by Dr. Alicia Grandey - Organisational Psychologist and Professor at Penn State University - in the latest Episode of The Workplace Podcast.

In this conversation, William and Alicia explore a topic that is still rarely discussed openly at work: menopause and leadership.

Menopause affects half the population, yet many workplaces still struggle to talk about it or support employees navigating it. Drawing on decades of research and interviews with senior leaders, Alicia explains how stigma influences perceptions of competence, leadership opportunities, and workplace culture.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why naming menopause can reduce bias in leadership decisions • How stigma and silence can push experienced women out of leadership pipelines • The surprising ways many women become more confident and resilient leaders during this stage of life • What compassionate leadership actually looks like in practice • How organisations can create cultures that support people through major life transitions

This conversation also builds on a previous discussion on menopause in the workplace with Loretta Dignum (Episode 46).

If you care about leadership, workplace culture, psychological safety, and supporting women in mid-career, this is an important conversation.

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless speaks with Dr. Nicki Macklin about the strategic power of organisational kindness.

Often dismissed as “soft,” kindness is frequently misunderstood in leadership. But research featured in Harvard Business Review - co-authored with Amy Edmondson and Thomas Lee - shows the opposite: kindness drives performance.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Why kindness is not the same as niceness

• The real cost of workplace incivility

• How managers lose up to seven weeks a year dealing with poor culture

• How to measure kindness using metrics you already track

This is a practical, research-backed discussion for leaders who want to balance performance with humanity — and understand the real business case for culture.

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Mark C. Crowley - bestselling author and leadership expert - to explore why employee wellbeing has become one of the most critical leadership issues today.

Drawing on insights from his latest book, The Power of Employee Wellbeing, Mark explains why traditional engagement approaches fall short, how wellbeing directly impacts performance and retention, and why belonging plays such a powerful role in how people show up at work.

Together, William and Mark discuss burnout, leadership boundaries, emotional intelligence, and the small but meaningful actions leaders can take to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

This episode is a practical, research-informed conversation for leaders who want to build teams that don’t just perform, but thrive.

Find out more about the work Mark does here: Mark C Crowley - Heart 2.0 - New Book Is Coming - Mark C. Crowley

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless speaks with Muriel M. Wilkins, executive coach, author of Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential, and host of the Harvard Business Review podcast Coaching Real Leaders.

Muriel helps leaders understand why performance challenges so often stem from unexamined beliefs rather than skill gaps. She explains how “hidden blockers” shape leadership behaviour, why high performers resist looking inward, and how resolving conflict with yourself is a prerequisite for leading others effectively.

This episode explores:

• The beliefs that quietly limit leadership potential

• Why behaviour change starts with assumptions, not actions

• How leaders can begin coaching themselves more effectively

• What it really takes to grow beyond control, perfectionism, and over-functioning

A practical and reflective conversation for leaders, managers, coaches, and anyone serious about leadership development.

Find out more about the work Muriel does here: MURIEL WILKINS | Helping people lead with more ease

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Rasmus Hougaard, CEO of Potential Project. In 2024, Rasmus was nominated by Thinkers50 as one of the eight most important leadership thinkers in the world today.

Rasmus is the co-author of The Mind of the Leader, Compassionate Leadership, and his latest book, More Human. Together, they explore a question many leaders are grappling with:

What do leaders do that AI can’t?

• Why leaders won’t lose their jobs to AI, but to leaders who use AI better

• How AI can make us more human, not less

• The risks of over-reliance on AI — from decision delegation to disconnection

• Why awareness, wisdom, and compassion are becoming leadership essentials

A thoughtful conversation for leaders navigating an AI-accelerated world.

Find out more about the work Rasmus does here: Potential Project – About Us

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Colin Fisher, Associate Professor at UCL’s School of Management and author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.

Colin breaks down why most teams underperform, it's not because of motivation or conflict, but because leaders focus their energy in the wrong places. Drawing on decades of research in group dynamics, creativity, and decision-making, he explains:

• The 60–30–10 Rule and why team success is determined long before the team meets

• What “real teams” actually look like (and why most groups don’t qualify)

• Social loafing, the Ringelmann effect, and how structure prevents it

• Why norms shape more of our behaviour than personality ever will

• How polarization happens and what teams can do to prevent it

• The importance of shared leadership, psychological safety, and brokers across groups

Packed with practical insights and backed by rich research and examples from sports, music, and organizational life, this conversation is essential for anyone building or leading teams.

Listen now and unlock your team’s collective edge.

Find out more about the work Colin does here: Colin M. Fisher

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined by Margaret C. Andrews, Harvard instructor and author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding.

Margaret explores one of the biggest challenges in leadership today — the knowing–doing gap. Why do so many leaders know what to do, but fail to do it? Together, William and Margaret unpack how self-awareness, vulnerability, and modeling improvement can transform leadership from theory into practice.

💡 Key insights:

• Why “knowing better” isn’t the same as “doing better”

• How vulnerability builds credibility and trust

• The habits and feedback loops that close the knowing–doing gap

• Why real leadership starts with managing yourself

This conversation will change the way you think about leadership development and what it really takes to grow.

Find out more about the work Margaret does here: Transformative Leadership Insights | Margaret Andrews

𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: 📲 𝐓𝐢𝐤𝐓𝐨𝐤: https://lnkd.in/e7w6k4t5 ▶️ 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐞: https://lnkd.in/eP2pfPBF 🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://www.yellowwood.ie

Support us on Patreon: The Workplace Podcast | Take A Different Path To Success | Patreon

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, host William Corless sits down with Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic - psychologist, author, and Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup -to explore the real meaning of authenticity at work.

Tomas challenges the modern obsession with “just being yourself,” arguing that true leadership isn’t about self-expression, it’s about self-regulation.

Drawing on his new book Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated and What to Do Instead, he explains how humility, empathy, and self-awareness help leaders balance individuality with responsibility.

🔥 Key insights in this episode:

• When authenticity becomes an excuse for bad behaviour
• How to balance self-expression with professionalism
• Why leadership is about managing yourself, not indulging yourself
• How self-awareness and humility drive genuine influence

🎧 Listen now to discover why great leaders know where your right to be you ends and your obligation to others begins.

Find out more about Tomas here: Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic | Psychologist, Author and Entrepreneur

In this episode, William Corless speaks with Dr. Vanessa Druskat, author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the Rest.

Vanessa reveals how high-performing teams use emotional intelligence as a system, not a personality trait. She shares the routines, rituals, and norms that help teams build trust, manage emotions, and create accountability from quick check-ins to playful “yellow and green card” feedback systems.

💬 In this episode:

• How emotionally intelligent teams handle conflict constructively
• The neuroscience of belonging and team motivation
• Turning everyday interactions into opportunities for trust and alignment
• How leaders can model vulnerability without losing authority

A must-listen for anyone serious about creating teams that perform — and stay human.

Find out more about Vanessa and her work here: Dr. Vanessa Urch Druskat

“Confidence is hard won and easily lost… so what comes after confidence?”

This week I’m joined by David Forde — former Ireland international goalkeeper, Millwall legend, and now executive coach and author of Being the One.

David opens up about resilience, transformation and leadership — and what it really takes to keep getting back up, on and off the pitch.

Find out more about the work David does here: Pathfinder Coaching | David

In this week’s episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Dr. Karen Bridbord — licensed psychologist, Gottman-certified couples therapist, and author of The Relationship-Driven Leader.

Karen blends cutting-edge psychology with organisational behaviour to show how leaders can strengthen workplace relationships for better productivity, resilience, and wellbeing.

From navigating conflict to building trust, Karen offers powerful tools every leader can use to transform team dynamics.

💡 Topics covered:

• How to complain without blame
• Recognising the “Four Horsemen” of toxic communication
• Understanding attachment styles at work
• Why bids for attention can make or break trust
• Practical repair strategies for conflict

This episode is packed with real-world insights to help you lead with connection and confidence.

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and author of Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World.

Alison has spent two decades advising multinational companies on risk, corruption, sustainability, human rights, and workplace culture. Her book has been praised as a timely guide for leaders navigating today’s polarized, high-stakes world.

💡 Key insights from this episode:

• Why the role of business in society has shifted beyond profit

• The rise of employee activism and what younger generations expect from employers

• Why “bad apples” aren’t the problem—it’s the system and incentives that matter

• How leaders can build ethical infrastructure that fosters trust and accountability

• Why putting human rights at the centre creates a stronger foundation than jargon or KPIs

This is an eye-opening conversation on how leaders can move beyond greenwashing and PR to create lasting impact rooted in dignity, respect, and values.

🎙️ Listen now to learn how to lead on higher ground.

In this week's episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Jennifer Moss—award-winning author of The Burnout Epidemic and Why Work, and one of Thinkers50’s Top 10 management minds.

Jennifer delivers incredible insights backed by cutting-edge research from Gallup, Oxford, and Deloitte. Her work helps leaders create workplace cultures that actually work—for performance and people.

🔥 Key insights from this episode:

• Hope Is a Strategy – Gallup’s newest research says hope is the #1 leadership skill today
• Purpose Gap – Why 85% of executives feel purpose, but only 15% of employees do
• Positive Gossip – Talking nicely behind someone’s back can boost innovation, onboarding & morale
• Social Engineering Isn’t Evil – How to intentionally rebuild culture with small rituals (and why Google slows down lunch lines)
• The Fear of Obsolescence – AI is creating silent anxiety in teams, and leaders aren’t talking about it
• The Cloak of Dissension – A genius way to build psychological safety and challenge groupthink

💡 Standout Quote: “We’re trying to galvanize young people for the future of work—but how can they do that if they feel no sense of themselves in that future?”

Jennifer’s episode is packed with real-world examples and powerful reframes every leader needs to hear.

Find out more about the work Jennifer does here: Why Are We Here - Creating A Work Culture Everyone Wants

In this week's episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Sabina Nawaz, elite executive coach and author of "You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need."

Sabina brings incredible credentials - 14 years at Microsoft where she advised Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly, plus extensive work with Fortune 500 companies. Her book has received high praise from Adam Grant, Marshall Goldsmith, and Rita McGrath! 📚

🔥 Key insights from this episode:

• The Container vs Content Mindset - Your job as a manager isn't the work itself, it's shaping HOW the work gets done
• Power Gap Distortions - How your strengths (being direct, confident, strategic) can be misinterpreted as weaknesses (callous, arrogant, manipulative)
• The "Ya But" Test - If you're using too many "ya buts" to justify your actions, you might be falling into toxic behaviors disguised as nobility
• Breaking Family Patterns - How childhood dynamics play out in our leadership style years later
• The Shut Up Muscle - The single biggest communication improvement? Speak less and listen more 💪

💡 Standout Quote: Sabina's insight about the myth of being exceptional vs excellent really hits home: "Excellent is producing great work. Exceptional is believing the rules don't apply to you."

The book also includes a brilliant 360 assessment tool - pure gold for any manager! ⭐

Find out more about Sabina: sabinanawaz.com

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This episode's guest is Michael Chad Hoeppner, CEO of GK Training. He joins William to discuss his brilliant book "Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively."

Michael brings nearly 20 years of expertise helping people speak well when it matters most - from Columbia Business School to Fortune 500 companies and even former presidential candidates!

🔥 Episode Highlights:

• The Lego Drill: A game-changing exercise that forces you to slow down and communicate one idea at a time 
• Silent Storytelling: Unlock vocal variety by exaggerating your physical delivery before adding sound back in
• The 5 P's of Vocal Variety: Pace, Pitch, Pause, Power, and Placement - your roadmap to engaging communication
• Breathing Breakthrough: Learn to "put air into action" instead of just "taking a breath"
• Confidence vs. Competence: Stop chasing the mythical confidence beast and focus on building communication behaviours instead

💡 Key Takeaway: Your voice IS your body. When you engage your physical communication instrument, your words spring to life with natural variety and presence.

The book is packed with practical exercises you can start using immediately - from finger walking to tackle verbal tics to mastering the art of strategic pauses.

Download the nerves chapter FREE at HOME - Book Published - Don't Say Um | by Michael Chad Hoeppner📚

Find out more about Michael's work: Presentation Skills Training & Executive Coaching Services | GK Training

#EffectiveCommunicationsMonth #TheWorkplacePodcast #Communication #Leadership #ExecutivePresence #PublicSpeaking #YellowWood

Mattering isn't "touchy-feely" - it's as fundamental as eating or sleeping. And in our current challenging times, people need to feel they matter more than ever.

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Zach Mercurio to dive deep into his powerful book "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance."

Zach is a researcher, leadership development facilitator, and speaker who specialises in purposeful leadership and meaningful work. He holds a PhD from Colorado State University and serves as a senior fellow at the Centre for Meaning and Purpose.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Mattering? It's feeling significant to those around you - knowing the team wouldn't be complete without you
• The NAND Model: Notice, Affirm, and show people they're Needed - three powerful behaviors that make people feel they matter
• The Traffic Light Check-in: A simple red/yellow/green system that led to 50% reduction in attrition and higher engagement scores
• The Noticing Book: A brilliant practice of writing down one thing about each team member and following up - "there's magic in being remembered"

💡 Key Insight: We add value because we feel valued - not the other way around. When people feel they matter, they develop the confidence and energy needed to perform, innovate, and contribute.

Find out more about Zac's work: www.powerofmattering.com Connect with him on LinkedIn: Zach Mercurio

👉 Want to support the podcast? Check out our Patreon for exclusive content and help us keep bringing you these valuable conversations!

For workplace training or consulting, visit: www.yellowwood.ie

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Dr. Tammy Lenski to discuss her groundbreaking book "The Conflict Pivot: Turning Conflict into Peace of Mind."

Since 1997 Dr. Tammy Lenski has worked with individuals and organizations worldwide as a mediator, executive coach, speaker, and educator. Her work centres on addressing conflict in ongoing personal, team, and business relationships.

Tammy has mediated thousands of private, court-affiliated, and online cases. She was in eBay's first group of online mediators in 1999 and on the first panel of probate court mediators in the U.S. Co-founder of the world's first master's degree program in mediation, she has taught conflict resolution and negotiation in four university programmes.

Tammy holds a B.A. from Middlebury College, and a master's and doctorate from The University of Vermont. Prior to her ADR career she was a college vice president and dean.

In 2012 the Association for Conflict Resolution recognized Tammy with the Mary Parker Follett award for innovative and pioneering work in the field. Her two books, The Conflict Pivot and Making Mediation Your Day Job, have sold more than 50,000 copies worldwide.

In this enlightening conversation, William and Tammy explore:

🔹 Understanding your "conflict hooks" (competence, autonomy, fellowship, status, reliability, integrity) and how they impact workplace dynamics

🔹 Moving away from "stuck stories" that keep us trapped in conflict cycles

🔹 How to reclaim your personal agency in conflict situations

🔹 The three essential pivots to achieve peace of mind or resolve conflicts

🔹 Practical techniques for recalibration conversations and cognitive reappraisal

💡 Did you know? Managers spend up to 40% of their time addressing team conflicts! This episode provides invaluable tools to reduce that burden.

Find out more about Tammy's work: https://tammylenski.com/ Download free conflict resolution worksheets from her website!

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to see more guests like Tammy, please support us over on Patreon. patreon.com/WorkplacePodcast

On the Workplace Podcast, William Corless reunites with bestselling author Melody Wilding to discuss her incredible new book "Managing Up"

Melody Wilding, Professor of Human Behaviour at Hunter College and named one of Insider's most innovative career coaches, brings her unique background as a therapist and emotions researcher to help us navigate those crucial relationships with people who have more positional power than us!

💡 Episode Highlights:

• Discover why managing up is about creating conditions for YOUR success (not just making your boss's life easier!)
• Learn about the essential "alignment conversation" that builds mutual understanding
• Unlock the secrets of communication styles and how to adapt without losing yourself
• Master the art of setting boundaries without burning bridges
• Create your own "me manual" to help others work better with you

Find out more about the work Melody does and purchase her book here: Managing Up | Leadership Keynote Speaker | Melody Wilding

If you enjoy our podcast, you can now support us through our Patreon! patreon.com/WorkplacePodcast

In the latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Dr. Carol Kauffman, internationally recognised as the #1 leadership coach by Marshall Goldsmith and ranked among the top eight coaches globally by Thinkers50!

Carol returns to the podcast to discuss "Neutralising Toxic Workplace Experiences" and shares powerful insights including:

• The PEAK framework for managing toxic situations (Physiology, Environment/Ecosystem, Affect, Knowledge)
• How to recognise when a workplace becomes truly toxic vs. just challenging
• The PURE approach to emotional regulation (Perceive, Understand, Regulate, Express)
• Four strategic stances for responding to difficult interactions (lean in, lean back, lean with, don't lean)
• Creating "safe ecosystems" within larger toxic cultures

Find out more about Carol's work here: Home | Carol Kauffman Executive Leadership Coaching - Carol Kauffman

Check out her book "Real-Time Leadership" where she explores these concepts in depth! Real-Time Leadership: Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes Are High

Loving the podcast? Support us on our new Patreon page! https://patreon.com/WorkplacePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Kweilin Ellingrud, Director of McKinsey Global Institute and Chief Diversity Officer for McKinsey Globally, to discuss her newly released book "The Broken Rung"!

Just launched on 11th March, this timely book (co-authored with Lareina Yee and Maria Del Mar Martinez) couldn't be more perfect for International Women's Day month. Our conversation explores:

• Why the "broken rung" at the entry level impacts more women than the glass ceiling
• How experience capital compounds across your career
• What makes an organisation truly healthy for career growth
• The power of bold moves vs early moves in your career journey
• Ways to combat workplace biases that hold women back

Kweilin shares practical strategies to overcome career obstacles and build the skills needed for success in today's changing workplace. Whether you're early in your career or helping others navigate theirs, this episode offers invaluable insights!

Find out more about Kweilin's work and order the book here: The Broken Rung: Book overview | McKinsey & Company

In this episode William Corless sits down with Harvard Kennedy School researcher Siri Chilazi to discuss her ground-breaking book "Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results."

 Siri shares fascinating insights on building fairness into workplace systems by design, including:

• Why designing for fairness creates better systems that benefit everyone 
• Why changing hearts and minds isn't enough - we need to change systems and processes
• How executive compensation can drive fairness from the top
• The powerful "opt-out" approach to promotions that levels the playing field
• Why babysitting expenses for networking events matter more than you think

Siri explains how making work fair isn't just the right thing to do - it's essential for building high-performing organizations where everyone can thrive! 

Find out more about Siri's work: Home - Siri Chilazi

Purchase the book: Home - Make Work Fair

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Erin Clark to discuss her book "Leading Through, Activating the Soul, Heart and Mind of Leadership" co-authored with her father and brother.

Erin is the Managing Director and U.S. National Leader for Deloitte Human Capital Consulting's Leadership Offerings with 20+ years experience as an executive coach, advisor, and facilitator. She believes strongly in the work of leadership to activate human potential and create thriving people and organizations.

During this episode William and Erin delve into many fascinating topics including:

• The shift from "power over" to "leading through" leadership
• How organizations can overcome decision-making bottlenecks
• The cycle of virtue that guides boundary conditions
• Why leaders should be teachers who facilitate learning
• How to bring illumination to combat organizational darkness

Find out more about Erin and her work here: www.leadingthroughinstitute.com

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Professor Karthik Ramana to explore his fascinating new book "The Age of Outrage" and discuss how leaders can effectively manage in these polarized times.

Key highlights from this thought-provoking conversation:

• Understanding the roots of outrage and why "history is not destiny"
• The four-step framework for managing in the age of outrage
• How leaders can use different sources of power effectively
• Building organisational capacity through delegated decision-making
• The importance of developing judgment in leadership

Professor Ramana brings unique insights from his experience leading a program for 1,000+ public leaders from 120 countries at Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government. His perspective on turning down the temperature in heated situations and building lasting leadership capacity is particularly valuable for today's challenging environment.

In this eye-opening episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Dr. Sandra Matz, Associate Professor at Columbia Business School and Director of the Center for Advanced Technology and Human Performance, to discuss her fascinating new book about taking control of our digital lives! 

Episode Highlights:

• Take Control of your Data: Learn how to manage and protect your digital footprint
• Shape Tech to Benefit All: Discover how technology can be a force for positive change
• Critical Thinking When Using Tech: Why we need to be more thoughtful about our digital choices
• Understanding Psychological Profiling: How our digital breadcrumbs reveal our psychology
• Reflecting on Your Tech Use: Tools and insights for examining your relationship with technology

Sandra brings her unique expertise in computational social science and psychology to help us understand the hidden relationships between our digital lives and our behaviour. Whether you're a leader, professional, or simply someone who uses technology, this episode offers valuable insights on taking back control of your digital identity.

Special thanks to Harvard Business Publishing for providing an advance copy of this important book! 

Find out more about the work Sandra does here: Center for Advanced Technology and Human Performance Purchase the book here: HOME | Mindmasters

In this week's episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with workplace expert and author Christine Armstrong, ranked 6th among the world's top 50 future of work influencers!

Christine is a brilliant researcher, writer, and vlogger who shares eye-opening insights about the realities of combining work and parenthood. Her book "The Mother of All Jobs: How to Have Children and a Career and Stay Sane(ish)" draws from six years of interviews with working parents, employers, and experts.

Key insights from this fascinating conversation include:

• Why the "having it all" myth needs updating for our always-connected era
• The different models of working parent partnerships (Alpha-Alpha, Alpha-Beta)
• How to manage the invisible "mental load" of parenting
• Why location and community matter more than we think
• Practical strategies for making work and family life sustainable

Christine's key takeaway: "There's a season for everything - we don't return to how we were before, we go forwards."

Find out more about the work Christine does here: Christine Armstrong, Speaker & Researcher | Armstrong & Partners

🎙️ In this week's episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with Karin Hurt to discuss her powerful new book "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict" 📚

Karin is the founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders, a global leadership development firm known for practical tools and leadership programs that stick. As a former Verizon Wireless executive and Inc. Magazine's great leadership speaker, Karen brings deep expertise in navigating workplace dynamics.

During this enlightening conversation, William and Karin explore:

• The four dimensions of constructive conflict 🤝
• The game-changing INSPIRE method for accountability conversations
• Practical approaches for handling competing goals in matrix organizations
• How to transform chronic complainers into solution-focused teammates
• Body language tips that can make or break difficult conversations

Plus, get insider tips on how to move from destructive to constructive conflict using Karen's "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) powerful phrases! 💡

Find out more about Karin's work: www.letsgrowleaders.com

Download the free companion guide for the book! Workplace Conflict Resources | Powerful Phrases Book Companion

In our latest episode of The Workplace Podcast William Corless is joined in conversation by Dr. Elizabeth Moran to discuss her book "Forward: Leading Your Team Through Change." 

Elizabeth is an experienced leader, consultant and speaker, providing neuroscience-based guidance to successfully navigate change. Prior to starting Elizabeth Moran Transformation, she was Vice President of Global Leader, Team and Organization Development at ADP. She has held talent development roles at Bloomberg, Lehman Brothers, Getty Images and Time, Inc. She holds a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, a PCC level certification from the International Coaching Federation, and a certification as a neuro transformational coach.

In this episode, William and Elizabeth dive deep into many valuable insights including:

Understanding the neuroscience of change resistance

The three priorities of change leadership

How to conduct effective turnaround conversations

Building resilience in teams during transitions

Leveraging strengths-based approaches to change

And much more!

Find out more about Elizabeth's work here: www.elizabethmorantransformation.com

In this episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless sits down with crisis communications expert Professor Paul Argenti of Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business!

Professor Argenti is a prolific thought leader who has taught at Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and authored the definitive textbook "Corporate Communication" (now in its 8th edition!).

Professor Argenti shares invaluable insights from his decades of experience, including:

• The difference between a drama and a real crisis
• Why 85-90% of crises could be prevented with proper preparation
• The crucial first steps when crisis hits
• How to build trust with stakeholders before trouble strikes
• Real examples of crisis communications done right (and wrong!)

Key takeaway: "The very first thing you do is admit that whatever happened, happened, and if you are responsible, say that you're sorry." 

In this episode William is joined in conversation by Brian Hancock, Partner at McKinsey & Company and one of the global leaders of McKinsey's talent work. They discuss the compelling book "Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work."

Through his research and client service, Brian focuses on connecting workers to opportunities, building their skills, and improving their day-to-day experience on the job. 

During this episode William and Brian explore many fascinating topics including:

• Why cutting middle management can be dangerous
• The role of managers as "super connectors" in hybrid work
• Understanding the real reasons behind employee attrition
• How to combat manager burnout
• Re-bundling roles in the age of AI
• The three types of purpose that drive engagement

There are many practical insights to be gained from this episode that will help both leaders and managers thrive in today's evolving workplace.

Find out more about the book and Bryan’s work here: Power to the Middle | McKinsey & Company

In our latest episode of The Workplace Podcast, William Corless is joined in conversation by Andy Lopata, co-author of "The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring" and a specialist in professional relationships, mentoring, and networking.

Andy is also an international consultant and keynote speaker known for his expertise in professional relationships. As the host of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy works with organizations worldwide to improve communication, foster collaboration, and create cultures that support constructive dissent and debate.

In this episode, William and Andy discuss the art and science of effective mentoring. There are many useful insights to be gained from this episode including:

· The ICE CREAM approach to mentoring

· Overcoming imposter syndrome as a mentor

· Reverse mentoring and its benefits

· Mentoring across generations

· How organizations can create successful mentoring programs

· Strategies for mentoring neuro-divergent individuals

And much much more.

When it comes to technology impacting society and business, we keep seeing the same patterns, fears of automation, changing ways of working, scams and societal changes.

History is a great teacher in how we can learn from the past and be confident about the future.

This week on The Workplace Podcast, William welcomes Tom Standage, Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead, to discuss "What History Can Teach Us About an AI Future."

Tom, a bestselling author and expert on technology's social and historical impact, shares valuable insights:

• The constancy of human nature amidst technological change
• Why experiencing "AI vertigo" is a sign of engagement
• AI's transformative potential in coding and software development
• How AI is addressing skills bias and potentially reducing inequality
• A balanced view on the ethical concerns surrounding AI
• AI's role in accelerating digital transformation

This episode is a must listen as Tom brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience at The Economist and his authorship of seven history books, including "The Victorian Internet" and "A History of the World in 6 Glasses."

Neil Mullarkey, a renowned comedian and communication expert, has written a book titled “In the Moment”. This book provides strategies and tools to improve confidence, communication, and creativity in professional settings. As a comedian and improv expert, Mullarkey draws parallels between the techniques used in improv comedy and those applicable to everyday professional interactions.

In this episode our Host WIlliam Corless and Guest Neil Mullarkey discuss a variety of topics from his Book In the Moment. Topics include, how improv is applicable to everyday life and business, the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence, collaboration, efficiency in meetings and much more!

For more information on Neil Mullarkey visit: https://neilmullarkey.com/inthemomentbook

Karen Eber is an author, global consultant, and keynote speaker who has educated and inspired over three million people globally. Her book, The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire , helps you understand how to tell engaging stories. It’s a resource you’ll mark up and reach for frequently.

In this episode our host, William Corless, and guest speaker, Karen Eber, discuss a range of her topics from her book. Topics include the science of story-telling, getting inside the audience's head, story-telling structure and much more!

Matt Beane is an assistant professor in the Technology Management Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is also a digital fellow with Stanford's Digital Economy Lab and MIT's Initiative on the Digital Economy.

In a riveting episode of "The Workplace Podcast," host William Corless engages with Matt Beane, author of The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in the Age of Intelligent Machines. Beane, a prominent field researcher on work involving robots and AI, delves into the intricacies of his research and the profound insights presented in his book.

https://www.mattbeane.com/

Amy Gallo is a workplace expert who frequently writes and speaks about gender, interpersonal dynamics, difficult conversations, feedback, and effective communication. She works with individuals, teams, and organizations around the world to help them collaborate, improve how they communicate, and transform their organizational culture to support dissent and debate.

Gallo is the best-selling author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, a how-to book about handling conflict professionally and productively. Getting Along was a finalist for the Next Big Idea Club, long-listed for several nonfiction book prizes, and named a Book of the Month by the Financial Times

In this episode our host, William Corless, and guest discuss a variety of topics in her book. Topics include dealing with conflict at work, tactics to diffuse conflicts in a professional manner, the importance of good relationships, consequences to unhealthy relationships, emotional intelligence, self-awareness and much more!

For more information about Amy Gallo please visit: www.amyegallo.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-gallo-31b9932/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyegallo/

David De Cremer is currently the endowed Dunton Family Dean of D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University where he is also a professor in management and technology. David is also an advisory board member at of EY’s advisory board for their global AI projects. He is the founder of two academic research centers: The “Center on AI Technology for Humankind” in Singapore and the “Erasmus Centre of Behavioural Ethics” at Rotterdam School of Management.

In this episode our host William Corless and guest David de Cremer discuss various topics in his Book "The AI-Savvy Leader". Topics discussed include AI adoption, AI terminology, how and when to apply AI, how AI enhances society, what AI is and what it isn't and much more!

For more information about David please visit: www.daviddecremer.com

Robert J. Lefkowitz, M.D. is Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at the Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Lefkowitz’s memoir, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm, recounts his early career as a cardiologist and his transition to biochemistry, which led to his Nobel Prize win. 

In this episode our host William Corless and our guest discuss various topics including living a life of significance, influences in his early life, fellow Nobel Prize winners, self awareness, the power of focus, work ethic, instinct, learning to say no, the importance of exercise and diet and much more!

Amy C. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School.Edmondson’s latest book, Right Kind of Wrong, builds on her prior work on psychological safety and teaming to provide a framework for thinking about, discussing, and practicing the science of failing well.

For more info about Amy Edmonson visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson