Jo Rice on Building Trust: Is Culture Your Secret Weapon?

How can leaders use culture as a true competitive advantage?In this episode of OxTalks, I sit down with Jo Rice – former Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Resurgo, named Best Place to Work by The Sunday Times in 2024, and creator of the award-winning Spear Programme, which has helped over 10,000 young people overcome barriers to employment.Drawing on her experience coaching leaders in industries from wealth management to manufacturing, Jo shares how culture isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s the engine that drives engagement, innovation and performance. We explore the neuroscience of trust, how authentic leadership inspires teams, and why ignoring culture during growth can cost you dearly.Jo’s stories from guiding organisations through mergers, rapid growth and high-stakes transitions reveal practical steps to align teams around shared values, unlock communication and create workplaces where people thrive.If you’ve ever wondered how small cultural shifts can lead to big business wins, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.OxTalks is produced by Urban Podcasts.