Episodios

  • 134 | Unlocking Potential: Neurodiversity, ESG, and Organisational Culture in Action

    134 | Unlocking Potential: Neurodiversity, ESG, and Organisational Culture in Action
    May 22 2025
    Summary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Lorna McAdoo, head of ESG at Version One, about the importance of organizational culture, the role of ESG in shaping that culture, and strategies for enhancing employee engagement, especially in a post-COVID world. They discuss the significance of listening to employees, integrating ESG into daily operations, and the potential of neurodiversity in the workplace. Lorna emphasizes the need for organizations to be flexible and proactive in creating an inclusive environment that fosters connection and collaboration among employees. Key Points Culture is hugely important for organizational success. Engagement and culture start from the ground up. ESG initiatives can enhance employee engagement. Creating real reasons for employees to come to the office is essential. Flexibility in work arrangements can tap into diverse talent pools. Listening to employees is key to building a supportive culture. ESG can be a powerful tool for culture building. Organizations need to think outside the box for talent acquisition. The integration of ESG into daily operations is crucial. Neurodiversity should be embraced as a valuable talent pool. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast 02:26 Understanding Organizational Culture 06:41 The Role of ESG in Organizations 12:45 Engagement Strategies Post-COVID 18:38 Integrating ESG into Daily Operations 24:53 The Importance of Neurodiversity in the Workplace
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    34 m
  • 133 | Empathy: The Missing Ingredient in Leadership | Keith Barry

    133 | Empathy: The Missing Ingredient in Leadership | Keith Barry
    May 15 2025
    Summary In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of non-verbal communication in leadership, the journey of a brain hacker, the power of subconscious storytelling, the role of empathy in communication, and the science behind influence through mirroring and rapport. They emphasize that effective leadership requires understanding and harnessing these elements to create a positive organizational culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of influence, decision-making, resilience, and leadership. They explore how to effectively negotiate by understanding body language and the importance of gut instincts in decision-making. The discussion also emphasizes the need for mental resilience through acceptance and positivity, especially in challenging times. Finally, the speakers highlight the significance of authenticity in leadership, advocating for genuine connections with team members. Takeaways 99.9999% of leaders leave communication skills on the table. Leadership is a mindset, not a position. Cultural leadership involves leading teams effectively. Subconscious behaviors drive our actions and decisions. Storytelling is crucial for effective communication. Empathy is essential in today's volatile world. Tactical empathy can enhance leadership effectiveness. Understanding non-verbal communication is vital for leaders. Influence is built on trust and rapport. Effective storytelling involves hooks, tension, and payoffs. Influence can be achieved through understanding and mirroring body language. Trusting your gut instinct can lead to better decision-making. Life is messy, and accepting that can lead to personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Unlocking Non-Verbal Communication in Leadership 05:07 The Journey of a Brain Hacker 09:49 The Power of Subconscious Storytelling 14:59 Empathy and Communication in Leadership 20:01 Influence Through Mirroring and Rapport 21:30 The Art of Influence and Negotiation 23:12 Trusting Your Gut: The Role of Instinct in Decision-Making 28:42 Building an Unbreakable Mind: Acceptance and Positivity 37:53 Authenticity in Leadership: The Key to Connection
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    42 m
  • 132 | Navigating Middle Management Challenges in Modern Workplaces | Kathryn Whyte

    132 | Navigating Middle Management Challenges in Modern Workplaces | Kathryn Whyte
    May 8 2025
    Summary In this episode, the conversation delves into the intricacies of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of leadership, purpose, and employee wellbeing. The speakers discuss how culture is shaped by the behaviours tolerated within an organization and the critical role leaders play in modelling desired behaviours. They explore the challenges faced by middle management and the necessity of empowering employees to take charge of their wellbeing. The discussion highlights the need for intentionality in fostering connections and trust within teams, ultimately leading to a stronger organizational culture. Takeaways Your culture is defined by the worst behaviour you tolerate.Purpose should be central to organizational culture.Leaders play a crucial role but are not the sole influencers of culture.Middle management faces unique challenges in today's work environment.Wellbeing initiatives must be integrated into the organizational culture.Building trust is essential for effective communication.Employees should be empowered to lead wellbeing initiatives.Intentionality in interactions fosters better connections.Storytelling can enhance the understanding of purpose in work.Giving employees a voice is key to building a strong culture. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Workplace Culture03:07 The Role of Purpose in Organizations06:03 Leadership and Culture Dynamics09:00 Middle Management Challenges11:51 Wellbeing in the Workplace14:47 Building Trust and Connection18:11 Empowering Employees for Wellbeing21:04 Creating a Strong Organizational Culture
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    32 m
  • 130 | From Employee to Owner: The Business of Coffee & Culture

    130 | From Employee to Owner: The Business of Coffee & Culture
    Feb 13 2025
    Episode Summary In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Jonathan Reed, CEO of Paddy and Scott’s Coffee, to discuss the company’s incredible transformation over the past three years. Jonathan shares his journey from employee to owner through a management buyout (MBO) and the challenges he faced in reshaping the organisation’s leadership and culture. With a strong focus on communication, trust, and a people-first approach, Jonathan highlights how visibility, vulnerability, and fun play crucial roles in creating an engaged and motivated workforce. He also delves into the company’s commitment to social impact, ensuring that business success translates into meaningful contributions to coffee-growing communities. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of responsible commerce to create real change. Key Takeaways Transitioning from employee to owner is a profound leadership shift. The MBO process is challenging but ultimately rewarding. Clear communication and trust-building are crucial for a successful transition. Leaders must be visible, present, and engaged with their teams. A great workplace culture includes fun as a key performance indicator. People—not just coffee—are at the heart of Paddy and Scott’s business. Strategic planning should involve and empower employees. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in leadership. Businesses have a responsibility to make a positive social impact. The future of Paddy and Scott’s is built on responsible commerce and community support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:54 Impact of MBO on Leadership and Culture 19:45 Emphasizing People Over Profit 34:52 Future Vision and Social Impact
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    39 m
  • 129 | The Eight Practices of Credible Leadership | Jenni Field

    129 | The Eight Practices of Credible Leadership | Jenni Field
    Feb 6 2025
    EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Jenni Field, CEO of Redefining Communications, to discuss her new book Nobody Believes You and the critical role of credibility in leadership. They explore the eight interconnected practices that define credible leadership and examine how leaders can navigate post-pandemic organisational challenges with empathy, integrity, and self-awareness. Jenni shares research-backed insights on how leaders can build trust, foster a supportive culture, and adapt their communication styles to strengthen their credibility. From balancing vulnerability with professionalism to embracing feedback as a tool for growth, this conversation offers practical strategies for leaders looking to inspire confidence and drive meaningful change. KEY POINTS Credibility is the foundation of leadership—without it, leaders struggle to gain trust and influence. Post-COVID leadership requires a shift towards empathy, integrity, and adaptability. The eight practices of credible leadership work together—leaders must develop all of them to be truly effective. Leaders must be intentional about communication, self-awareness, and feedback to maintain credibility. A strong organisational culture is built through supportive leadership and a clear vision. Empathy is not just an inherent trait—it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. ABOUT JENNI FIELD Jenni Field is an international speaker, author, podcaster, researcher, and business communications strategist. She specializes in helping teams and leaders use communication to take people and organisations from chaos to calm. From Canada to Slovenia, you’ll find her talking about credible leadership, relationships at work, and how to be more impactful with your communication. A well-respected thought-leader in the communications industry, she is known for her optimistic outlook, energy, and honesty on any stage she is speaking on. Jenni’s podcast, Redefining Communications with Jenni Field, provides short 15-minute episodes focusing on different business topics and providing advice to help organizations go from chaos to calm. In 2021 published her first book Influential Internal Communication. Jenni has led several research projects to help organisations tackle some of their biggest challenges; In 2019 she carried out the only research into communication with deskless workers, repeating it in 2023 to see the impact of the pandemic on frontline teams. Her research in 2021 explored the role of line managers and in 2023 she researched the different practices that make a leader credible – leading to the publication of Nobody Believes You; Become a Leader People Will Follow. SOCIAL LINKS Redefining Communications websiteJenni's LinkedInInstagram: @JennifieldX: @mrsjennifield REFERENCE LINKS Books by JenniRedefining Comms Research Reports Redefining Communications Podcast
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    37 m
  • 128 | HubSpot’s Culture Code and Leadership Insights for Hybrid Work Success | Eimear Marrinan

    128 | HubSpot’s Culture Code and Leadership Insights for Hybrid Work Success | Eimear Marrinan
    Jan 30 2025
    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes interviews Eimear Marrinan, VP of People Experience at HubSpot, about how HubSpot has built and maintained a thriving corporate culture. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work, the role of feedback and transparency, and the importance of intentionality in fostering meaningful employee engagement. Eimear shares practical advice and insights into aligning company values with the needs of employees and customers alike. Key Takeaways: HubSpot’s culture code acts as a guiding principle for hiring, management, and decision-making. Constructive, candid feedback fosters personal and organisational growth. Remote and hybrid work require intentional strategies for communication, engagement, and productivity. Managers need upskilling and support to lead effectively in dynamic work environments. Culture is an evolving product shaped by data, feedback, and leadership alignment. Aligning leadership around core principles enhances company mission and employee connection. Challenges faced by Big Tech reveal the need to balance employee well-being with business priorities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast 07:01 HubSpot's Culture Code and Its Importance 12:05 Feedback and Transparency in Organisational Culture 20:04 Intentionality in Communication and Management 25:44 The Importance of Intentionality in Management 36:01 Balancing Family Culture with Business Needs
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    42 m
  • 127 | From Words to Action: How Storytelling Unifies, Empowers & Transforms Organisations | The Cumberland

    127 | From Words to Action: How Storytelling Unifies, Empowers & Transforms Organisations | The Cumberland
    Jan 23 2025
    EPISODE SUMMARY

    In this episode, Scott discusses the power of storytelling in organisations with Des Moore and Shelly Hayward from The Cumberland Building Society.

    They explore the importance of a common narrative during transformation, the co-creation process that engaged employees, and the significance of events like Cumberland Calling in celebrating the organisation's story.

    The conversation emphasises the need for authenticity, emotional connection, and the ongoing evolution of the narrative as the organisation continues its journey.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS
    1. Storytelling is critical for effective communication in organisations.
    2. A common narrative helps unify employees during transformation.
    3. Co-creation of the story fosters ownership and engagement.
    4. Emotional connection is key to engaging employees.
    5. Leadership involvement ensures authenticity and inspires trust.
    TIME STAMPS
    • 00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Organisations
    • 02:19 Transformation Journey at Cumberland Building Society
    • 07:10 The Importance of a Common Narrative
    • 10:34 Co-Creation of the Cumberland Story
    • 16:47 Cumberland Calling: Celebrating the Story
    • 21:52 Engaging Leaders and Customers in the Narrative
    • 27:15 The Positivity: Celebrating Pride in the Organisation
    • 32:17 Continuing the Story: Future Directions
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    37 m
  • 126 | Building High-Trust Cultures: Leadership Strategies for Hybrid Work Success | Tim Threipland

    126 | Building High-Trust Cultures: Leadership Strategies for Hybrid Work Success | Tim Threipland
    Jan 9 2025

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes welcomes Tim Threipland from FranklinCovey to discuss the critical role of trust in organisational culture and leadership. They explore how trust impacts performance, the effects of the pandemic on work culture, and the importance of intentionality in building high-trust environments. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to extend trust, create psychological safety, and navigate the complexities of hybrid work. Tim emphasises that trust is not just a soft skill but a vital component of business success, urging leaders to focus on measurable outcomes and engage employees in the process of building a trusting culture.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and thriving organisational cultures.
    2. High-trust cultures foster agility, leading to faster decision-making and improved performance metrics.
    3. Trust is not just a soft skill—it's a measurable and critical business outcome.
    4. The pandemic has spotlighted vulnerabilities in organisational cultures, offering opportunities for growth.
    5. Fear-driven, control-oriented leadership erodes trust and limits organisational potential.
    6. Psychological safety is the foundation of trust and must be intentionally nurtured within teams.
    7. Leaders must actively design and sustain cultures that prioritise trust to achieve long-term success.
    8. Employees play a vital role in trust-building by clearly communicating their needs, contributions, and feedback.
    9. Trust flourishes through consistent, transparent communication and alignment of expectations.
    10. Extending trust as the default approach empowers teams and reinforces a culture of mutual respect.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
    05:02 Understanding Trust in Organizations
    11:53 The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Culture
    18:01 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership
    25:10 Building High Trust Cultures
    29:52 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

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    38 m
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