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Have you ever witnessed patterns of communication that didn’t seem helpful or productive in your teams? Leadership and communication go hand in hand, and who better to unravel this intricate relationship than Marsha Acker. As the CEO of Team Catapult, Marsha understands that there is more to leadership than just technical prowess; it’s about understanding people dynamics and creating a safe environment for open and honest communication.  Throughout the episode, Marsha dives into the complexities of leadership and effective communication within teams, self-awareness challenges and discusses the significant shift from individual to systemic thinking, shedding light on the growing popularity of team coaching. Key discussions include: 1.     A self-leadership quest: How to work with other humans 2.     An insight into communication dynamics and the four speech acts 3.     Communication patterns in teams and organisations 4.     The principle of bringing offline conversations into the room 5.     Are leaders holdi

Can clear communication and the power of the pen have a transformative impact on your business? Absolutely! Get ready to discover all the 'write stuff' as we explore the influence of intentional communication with the founder of High-Value Writing, Erin Lebaqz. In this episode, Erin takes an in-depth look at how leaders can foster trust, respect, and belonging through thoughtful and deliberate writing, creating an environment where people feel supported and acknowledged. Being a good writer isn't solely about getting your message across; it's also about understanding your audience. Erin emphasizes the importance of considering different cultures and generations in your writing and unveils the role of emotion, including the surprising credibility boost that can come from emojis. Key discussions include: The power of writing and the cost of miscommunication Clarity: The key to confusion-free communication Effective communication in a post-pandemic work environment Leadership Models: Can written communication i

How does the saying go? Is the glass half full, or is it half empty? Now, apply this to DEI in the workplace, and you'll see our guests, Christiane Bisanzio and Aleksandar Damchevski, challenge this very notion. In this episode, Aleks and Christi delve into the evolving landscape of DEI, highlighting the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. This episode revolves around their insightful book, The Other 364 Days, and the profound idea that DEI should not be merely a day-long celebration but a year-round commitment in every workplace. Throughout the discussion, we hear how organisations prioritise external appearances over internal actions, the responsibility of leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion, and the crucial part of setting precise and measurable inclusion goals. Aleks and Christi also reflect on common oversights made during event celebrations like Pride Week and International Women's Day. Key discussions include: The glass half full: A reflection on the progression of DEI

Workplace culture is as strong as the communication it thrives on and as fragile as a string of miscommunications. Internal communications is the lifeblood of organisations, holding the power to inspire, inform and engage employees. This week, leading internal communications expert and author of ‘Me, Myself and IC’, Emily Hecker, joins Scott to dive right into its indispensable role in shaping organisational culture and unveiling how communication barriers can stunt growth. This episode is packed to the brim with wisdom as Emily reveals how to gain buy-in from senior leaders and master the art of storytelling to drive your business forward. Emily also shares her advice on making internal comms a core business priority, highlighting the need for clear communication expectations within organisations. Key discussions include: Falling in love with the process of storytelling and creating narratives. How to master internal communications. The role of internal communication in shaping organisational culture. T

Get ready to blast your workplace culture into new heights with the valuable guidance of this week’s special guest, Eric Stone. Eric is the founder of Clear Path Ventures and an acclaimed author who promises to enlighten your understanding of aligning organisational behaviour with values.  Throughout the discussion, Eric lays out the five pillars of employee engagement and reveals the correlation between increased employee engagement levels and customer loyalty. Eric also tackles the challenge of maintaining a vibrant culture in remote work settings, emphasising the importance of open communication, ongoing training, and recognition. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone keen on cultivating a thriving and sustainable culture within their organisations. Key discussions include: A non-complicated rundown of workplace culture Five factors to foster a high-performing culture  The hiring process: What a character test can reveal Measuring organisation culture: An introduction to the six-point inspecti

Are you ready to transform your workplace into a haven of well-being? If so, buckle up as Brian Crooke, founder of Workplace Well-being Ireland and Course Director of the Postgrad Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Dublin’s Trinity College, guides us through the ever-evolving landscape of workplace well-being.  From his journey as a ‘recovering’ management consultant to becoming a well-being advocate, Brian reveals the power of understanding and implementing well-being at the workplace and how it is intrinsically linked to an organisation’s vision and business objectives. Brian also delves into the magic of storytelling, the importance of leaders role-modelling healthy behaviours and creating a culture of permission. Key discussions include: 1.     Workplace health promotion: Your well-being goes beyond physical health 2.     The three pillars of well-being 3.     The importance of aligning well-being initiatives with an organisation’s vision and objectives 4.     Building a culture of health: Connecting h

Ever wondered what the secret sauce is for enhancing performance and productivity? Well, wonder no more as culture change catalyst, author and leadership coach Lily Woi is here to unveil how to drive change and boost your working environment. Lily is no stranger to working with multinational companies to drive change and transformation and believes that creating an environment that fosters high performance and productivity requires a people-centred approach. Throughout this discussion, Lily highlights the importance of focusing on people and acknowledging that they are the core of an organisation's success, creating a unified vision for organisational success and building bridges of trust. Key discussions include: 1.     An introduction to Lily Woi 2.     Striking a balance between high-performance and people-centred organisations 3.     Business transformation: the top-down and bottom-up approach 4.     Vulnerability in leadership: the benefits and the risks of being a vulnerable leader 5.     The key t

Are you striving to become a more courageous leader, challenge the status quo and drive innovation? If so, this latest episode with Joanna Howes, International Coach of the Year and founder of The Change Creators, is for you as we delve into leading with courage, igniting your self-awareness, unlocking high performance and empowering others. We understand that knowing where to turn for guidance can be challenging if you’re in a leadership role and feeling overwhelmed, and that’s why Joanna is here to help. Joanna dives deep into the attributes of courageous leadership, from empowering others and being vulnerable to taking action and creating clarity. Key discussions include: An introduction to Joanna Howes Courageous leadership: stepping into the courageous zone  What does a courageous leader look like?  The relationship with yourself and the importance of looking within  The role of courage when driving change in an organisation  Unlocking strength through vulnerability and setting clear expectations  Leade

Are leaders blaming employees for their own failures? In today's rapidly changing corporate landscape, establishing a strong company culture is more important than ever. Companies that fail to create a sense of purpose and passion risk losing talented employees and alienating consumers. That's where Sonya Shelton comes in. As the CEO and founder of Executive Leadership Consulting, Sonya helps fast-growth companies connect their business strategy with their company culture to maintain growth. In this episode, Sonya provides practical insights into the importance of empowering employees, promoting collaboration, and clarifying internal communications and shares the leadership model that all leaders should be aware of, the Red Thread model. Key discussions include: An introduction to Sonya Shelton The triangle of culture, leadership and strategy How leaders can help employees align with business strategies The pandemic wake-up call: the connection to purpose The five P’s of the Red Thread Leadership Model The p

Have you ever wondered how we can approach life as an adventure? In the world of work, a sense of adventure can mean embracing change and uncertainty, taking risks, and being open to new experiences and opportunities. Joining Scott this week to delve into the adventure of leadership and unleashing your inner explorer is Polar explorer and executive coach Sue Stockdale.  With a focus on self-awareness, adaptability, grounding and resilience, Sue emphasises the importance of an adventurous mindset, being comfortable with discomfort and risk-taking, and inspiring teams to drive positive change. Key discussions include:  An introduction to Sue Stockdale  Why you should never be a psychological slasher  Fostering a sense of adventure in the working environment   The characteristics of an adventurous mindset   The importance of self-awareness in business   How to navigate through change in the workplace   The power of honesty and vulnerability   The telling sign

Have you ever had to deal with miscommunications in the workplace?  Are you struggling to keep up with the sheer number of emails you receive daily? Joining Scott this week is communication expert Kim Arnold to shed light on how to connect more effectively.   Kim delves into the world of email communication, explores the impact of poor email etiquette, and shares insights on the use of concise language, tone of voice, accuracy, and the increasing use of emojis in emails. Keep an ear out for Kim’s must-know tips on creating a more human tone that fosters connections and relationships. Key discussions include:  An introduction to Kim Arnold The problems poor email etiquette is creating in business today The impact of COVID-19 on business communication  The overlooked skill of effective writing  The importance of embracing feedback   Generational approaches to communication Do emojis belong in business communications?  Top tips for mastering your work emails   And more!   “We tend to move into f

We've all heard that knowledge is power—but in the age of the internet, is knowledge still enough? Special guest Katja Schleicher, founder of Impact Communications Coaching, is here to teach us more about the shift from knowledge to emotional selling proposition and the importance of communication in an age of digital media. Get ready to find out how to make your message stand out in the sea of noise and learn techniques for crafting effective communication.   Key discussions include:  An introduction to Katja Schleicher Why effective communication in leadership is essential The biggest barriers to communicating effectively  The art of saying extraordinary things with ordinary words Creating space for psychological safety  The importance of storytelling in business  The key to measuring the effectiveness of communication  How to ignite your communication skills today!   Plus, lots more!  Katja's advice is essential for any leader looking to build better cultures and connect with their

Do you strive to create an open and honest workplace culture? Author, leadership expert and communication coach Jay Williams is here to share his insights on building a culture of open, honest, and timely communication through the powerful feedback loop. Jay emphasises the importance of emotional engagement and alignment in organisations and offers strategies for developing a solid core in middle management.   Key discussions include:  An introduction to Jay Williams A career shift: When a super worker becomes a supervisor Engagement in the workplace and the role of employee alignment The key components to leaders driving alignment within an organisation How feedback is imperative for success The power of a thought leader within an organisation The framework for receiving effective feedback   Plus, lots more!  This episode offers solutions for executives looking to improve their communication and management skills. So if you are ready to create a more peaceful, collaborative, and productive work

Are you aware of the three employee archetypes? The Keeper, the Leaper, and the Sleeper? If not, prepare to learn about them and how best to engage them. Greg Offner Jr. – speaker, coach and consultant is here to share his fascinating insights on the psychology of change in organizations and how to disrupt the norm to create sustainable change.   Drawing on his experience as a duelling piano performer, Gregory intertwines principles used in the world of piano bars with the business world to make work more enjoyable. Gregory shares the importance of prioritizing skill development and the need for a culture shift that starts from the top but is endorsed and expected at all company levels.   Key discussions include:  Taking the irk out of work! The importance of disrupting the norm in business How to become the organization that everyone wants on their resume Employee advocacy and the rise of boomerang employees The power of incentives in the workplace   Plus, lots more!  If you are eager to lea

Is your organisation drowning in a sea of Human Resources policies? Are you tired of the stagnant work culture norms? Is this war of talent and high employee turnover era worrying you? If so, this episode is for you! Corporate culture and engagement specialist Paul Ter Wal is here to guide you on creating a positive culture, making your organisation a wonderful place to work and succeed.    Paul Ter Wal is the managing partner of Andare Consulting and is a celebrated international speaker specialising in culture and engagement. In this episode, Paul serves you invaluable advice on creating a culture of care. He unveils the power of purpose and core values, the benefits of investing in listening and trust and reveals why shareholders must make short-term sacrifices for long-term success. Key discussions include:  An introduction to Paul Ter Wal Is customer experience overshadowing employee experience? Language matters: it’s time to stop using the term human resources. The importance of infusing core val

Is your organisation on a mission to achieve true inclusion and belonging but struggling to know where to begin? If so, this episode is for you!   Joining Scott to discuss inclusive leadership and the secret to transformational change is special guest Sophia Kristjansson. Sophia is a US-based with UK university roots, founder of Lexicon Lens, A DEI people development and change professional, and author. Throughout the discussion, Sophia offers valuable advice and practical tips that you can implement today to build more inclusive cultures. Sophia also explores the power of uniqueness,  the importance of gaining bias awareness, and the role of values within inclusive cultures.   Key discussions include: The equation to building a sense of belonging in the workplace How people leaders are a catalyst for businesses Diversity and inclusion: is there a difference between the two? How leaders and teams can discover unconscious biases in the workplace Building inclusive cultures: The role of values within a

On our latest episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we speak to Dan Sodergren. Dan is the Co-Founder of YourFLOCK. This SaaS platform helps teams to grow by finding the best-fit candidates and maximising their value to your unique team based on culture. In this episode, we talk about organizational culture, employee engagement, and remote vs hybrid work.  Key discussions: 1. How leaders can use culture as a tool to drive employee engagement and productivity.  2. Effective strategies and best practices for improving engagement among your employees.  3. What you should do to avoid common challenges to achieve high levels of engagement in the workplace. And lots more! Whether you're a business owner, People Leader, HR professional, or employee, this episode will give listeners a deeper understanding of culture's role in the modern workplace. DAN'S LINKS:  Company: https://yourflock.co.uk/ TEDx Talk: The Future Of Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uiZJkod7h-4&feature=emb_

EPISODE SUMMARY: Do you think storytelling has no place at work? That it’s just a fluffy exercise that doesn’t deliver results? Then, the latest guest on the Building Better Culture podcast, Richard Newman, the Founder and CEO of BodyTalk, says, “You’re missing the point!” Richard shares that for a millennia, the human brain has learned to sequence and process information delivered as a story, but HOW that story is told makes all the DIFFERENCE. We learn about the neuroscience behind effective communication to yield actionable results and fully engage your people. You’ll learn how to blast through denial, overcome the brain’s resistance to change and avoid “non-verbal leakage.” It transforms workplace cultures by delivering information in ways our brains can receive process, and act upon – with the kinds of epic outcomes your corporate leaders will doubtless remember. Heroic journeys start in small daily interactions, and Richard is here to share some of the tools most critical tools set that stage.  KEY INSI

On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we drill down on the pivotal role that empathy plays in the workplace – especially in this time of remote work and back-to-back-to-back Zoom interactions. It’s about understanding someone else’s perspective, yes. But equally important is the ability to fully and non-judgmentally inhabit another person’s shoes, then communicate back in ways that create meaningful connection.  Our guest Rob Volpe, CEO of Ignite 360, is an “empathy activist” who consults with businesses struggling to weave understanding and compassion into workplace cultures. With his Five Steps to Build + Apply Empathy at Work, Rob shows leaders how to integrate simple – but transformational – practices to embody your brand and build self-awareness among teams across the enterprise. Studies show that organisations that prioritise empathy generate more loyalty, innovation and inclusivity among employees. You’ll come away from this episode with a keen understanding of how to listen with ful

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we learn about the principles of Raw Leadership, how to lean into your authentic power as a leader and how to create better organisational cultures that your employees want to participate in. Our guest is Colleen Bashar, is the Senior VP of Global Solution Sales for Guidewire Software; a cloud-based service that efficiently combines digital, core, analytics, and AI to deliver results to clients. Colleen walks us through her 16-year journey at the company, where she started as a sales consultant, to her current position as a people leader and how she effectively manages a team of over 150 people. KEY INSIGHTS: >>> What ‘Raw Leadership’ is, and its three core values: Curiosity, Authenticity and Vulnerability. >>> The importance of investing and reflecting on yourself as a leader to help you lean into your authentic self. >>> Why practicing self-awareness is incredibly powerful. LINKS: GuideWire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guidewire