PODCAST · business
Colin on Culture
by Colin D Ellis
On this podcast I'll be providing regular insights to help you to build a vibrant workplace culture. From fewer emails and meetings to more celebration of success and courageous conversations, I'll be covering it all. No endless waffle, just sensible, practical advice.
Episodes
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Culture Speak: Part Seven - Putting it all together
In the final episode of Culture Speak: The art of talking about work, I summarise the six previous episodes and talk about what it takes to not only put the learning together but also how to positively evolve the culture. I emphasise the need for continuous feedback and engagement, advocate for...
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Culture Speak: Part Six - Vibrant Culture
In episode 6 of Culture Speak: The art of talking about work I discuss the characteristics of a vibrant culture, where engagement is high, people are consistently able to bring their best selves to work and results are achieved. This is the kind of culture that everyone wants to work in! Key...
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Culture Speak: Part Five - Toxic Culture
If you only listen to one episode of this seven-part series of Culture Speak, make it this one. In episode 5 I discuss the characteristics of a toxic culture, where - if swift action isn’t taken - lives, results and reputations can be ruined. I discuss the three levels of toxicity (0-2), how to...
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Culture Speak: Part Four - Combatant Culture
In this fourth episode of Culture Speak I discuss the characteristics of a combatant culture, where engagement is high, but emotional intelligence is low, and every day is filled with anxiety, stress and busy-work. Key takeaways: Engagement is a two-way street between the organization and the...
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Culture Speak: Part Three - Pleasant Culture
In this third episode of Culture Speak I discuss the characteristics of a pleasant culture, where emotional intelligence is high, but everything is just, well, a bit ‘nice’. Key takeaways: Emotional intelligence and engagement are key workplace factors. Pleasant cultures can lead to stagnation...
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Culture Speak: Part Two - Stagnant Culture
In this second episode of Culture Speak I discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and engagement in work culture and highlight the detrimental effects of stagnant cultures, where individuals prioritise personal interests over teamwork Key takeaways: Emotional intelligence and engagement...
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Culture Speak: Part One - Context (Why culture conversations are important)
In this first episode of Culture Speak, I introduce the concept of organisational culture, emphasising its importance and talking through the elements that shape a work environment. I discuss the necessity of committed leadership, capable management, and a common language to foster a vibrant...
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How to build an AI-ready culture
The jostling between consulting and training organisations for AI transformation programmes has begun. However, rather than the 'technology agility' approaches that they're selling to implement AI, what's required is a change in culture, or 'emotional agility.' On this episode of the Colin on...
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5 signs your values may be worthless
There's a lot of performance with regards to culture and values are one of the worst culprits with 75% of employees in one survey saying that the correlation between the organisation stating them versus the daily practice of them is zero! On this episode of the Colin on Culture podcast I provide…
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The 3 factors that shape workplace culture
How we work - our culture - is perpetual. It changes all of the time and is shaped by 3 distinct factors. Once leaders and employees understand these fators they are better able to respond and build a programme of events that ensure that the culture continually evolves to be relevant to the way...
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How to bust your bureaucracy!
According to research, over $3tn is wasted every year on excess bureaucracy ranging from simple process flaws to overly risk averse people and control freaks! In this video I not only talk about the issues that bureaucracy creates, but also provide a model to better understand how it arises and...
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Meetings are killing your culture
In this episode of the Colin on Culture podcast I talk about the growing problem of meetings and provide strategies on the things that you can do to ensure that they don't kill your culture.
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The 'Grey Zone' of Workplace Behaviour
The recent BBC culture review highlighted a number of issues, not least, what behaviour is considered to be acceptable and what's not. In this episode I discuss the findings and also talk about how your organisation can avoid these 'grey' behaviours. Read the BBC report at:...
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The Middle Management Crisis
Middle managers are the difference between success and failure and yet not only do they recognise that they don't have the skills to succeed, organisations recognise that they underinvest in them too! On this episode of the Colin on Culture podcast I provide insights and statistics on how to…
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The things vibrant cultures do (that you can copy)
Let's explore the key characteristics of vibrant workplace cultures and take inspiration for culture change. I look at the importance of building human relationships, effective collaboration, celebrating successes, learning from failures, establishing meaningful values, promoting equity, and...
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Subcultures - The catalyst for change
Subcultures play an important role in shaping organisational culture. Managers have the agency to create their own team cultures without needing permission, but they don't always have the skills to foster a sense of belonging among employees. In this episode I explore how subcultures can drive...
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Toxic culture and UFOs
In this episode I'm exploring the parallels between toxic workplace cultures and the phenomenon of UFOs, emphasising how leadership often denies or gaslights concerns about toxic behaviours. Let's look at the importance of acknowledging issues, the toxic culture ladder, and the necessity of...
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5 Steps to Behaviour Change
Leadership behaviour significantly influences and shapes workplace culture.In this episode I outline a five-step framework for effective behaviour change that emphasises the importance of recognition, setting expectations, accountability, coaching, and providing help to facilitate sustainable...
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Investing vs. Invested
Welcome to the first episode of the Colin on Culture podcast - a revamp of Culture & Coffee for 2025! In this episode I explore the critical distinction between merely investing in organisational culture and being genuinely invested in it. I share some insights from my own experiences which have...
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Why happiness at work breeds success
What does it mean to be happy at work and why does it matter? In this episode I discuss the importance of employee happiness, distinguishing it from mere engagement, and explore where happiness is derived from: well-being, a growth mindset, and achievement. I share insights on how organizations…
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The AI Show
Welcome to The AI Show! A special episode of Culture and Coffee where I use AI to talk about the role of AI in our work cultures and how we get things done. I explore the evolving role of AI in the workplace, its potential benefits, and the importance of understanding and utilising AI…
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How to recognise the culture you have now
In this episode of the Culture and Coffee Podcast, I'm exploring the various types of workplace cultures, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and engagement. I unpack the six pillars of culture, the characteristics of stagnant, pleasant, combatant, and toxic cultures, and the...
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The Insidious Practice of Tracking Employees
There's a growing trend of employee tracking and monitoring. Let's explore the reasons behind these practices (including operational efficiency, security, and performance insights) and the negative cultural implications of such surveillance. I am advocating for a culture of trust and…
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What bullying is and what to do about it
In this episode I discuss the pervasive issue of bullying in the workplace, highlighting alarming statistics from recent reports. Let's get into what actually is bullying, how does it manifest and what's the impact in the workplace? I also provide actionable strategies for addressing bullying,...
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How bad strategy can kill culture
In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast, I discuss the critical relationship between culture and strategy in organisations. I emphasis that while culture can overshadow strategy, effective strategy is essential for fostering a positive culture. I explore the characteristics of good...
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Repeating mistakes is the fastest way to failure
We all make mistakes. Every team and organisation makes mistakes. We can learn from them but when we repeat them we're on a path to failure. Take the alarming statistics surrounding project failures and digital transformation that we see year after year as fundamental mistakes are repeated. In…
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Why feedback is the fuel for improvement
Feedback is vital when you're building a culture of continual improvement. The common practice of organisations only seeking feedback once a year through engagement surveys and then doing little with the feedback or taking too long to act on it is counter-productive. It serves only to stagnate…
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How Purpose Shapes Culture
In this episode I discuss the importance of purpose in workplace culture. Purpose is often misunderstood and overlooked, but it is crucial for driving engagement and motivation in employees. Let's look at the connection between an organisation's purpose and the individual sense of purpose that...
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The Three Levels of Toxic Culture
In this episode I discuss the three levels of toxic culture and the signs to look out for at each level. I also underline the importance of addressing toxic culture early to prevent it from becoming harmful. Episode takeaways Toxic culture can be categorised into three levels: combatant culture,...
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Loneliness: The most persuasive back-to-office argument
In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast I'm looking at loneliness. There are multiple studies showing loneliness has increased since the pandemic and its negative effects on health and wellbeing are just starting to come to light. I look at how hybrid work can contribute to a sense of...
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The Importance of Scaling Culture
Let's delve into the vital topic of scaling culture within organisations. Drawing from my experiences with startups and mergers, I underscore the necessity of evolving and scaling culture as businesses expand. I highlight the importance of deliberate action in maintaining organisational values…
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How to build a multi-generational workforce
In this episode I am delving into the complexities and opportunities presented by a multigenerational workforce. For the first time in history, four distinct generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—are working side by side. This convergence has significant…
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How leaders shape culture
In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast, I delve into the pivotal role that leaders play in shaping and influencing organisational culture. I provide insights for leaders, managers, and HR professionals on how to embody and foster a positive culture within their teams and organisations....
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How culture and strategy align
This is a topic that is close to my heart and critical to any organisation's success: the interplay between culture and strategy. In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the football community and the business world. Just as a football team requires a clear vision and a...
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How KPIs undermine culture
Are KPIs: Keeping People Inspired or Killing Performance? That's what I'm talking about in this episode of Culture and Coffee. Let's explore the potential downsides of focusing solely on individual KPIs, and why I advocate for a balance between individual and team goals. Episode insights include:...
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How to get the best out of everyone
A staggering 80% of employees feel their performance management experiences haven't motivated them to improve. This is a wake-up call for leaders! In this episode I delve into the fallout from not managing people effectively and provide ways we can redefine motivation and performance in the...
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Projects - Plan or Perish!
Projects are the lifeblood of any organisation. They deliver on strategy, foster innovation and ensure you remain competitive, delivering for your customers. They are essential in turning organisational goals into reality, and yet we can still drop the ball when it comes to project delivery. In...
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Listening is more than 'switching on your ears'
When was the last time you truly listened to someone at work? I mean, really listened, with your full attention? In this episode of Culture and Coffee we dive deep into the art of listening—something that's often overlooked but is absolutely vital for a thriving workplace culture. In this…
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How to tame your to-do list
We are taking a deep dive into effective to-do list management. Do you rule your list or does it rule you? It's time to break free from the tyranny of the to-do list. Instead, use it to help you manage your time and prioritise so that what really needs doing is number one. This episode is for you...
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* Introducing INSIDE OUT CULTURE PODCAST with Cath Bishop and Colin D Ellis *
If you enjoy Culture and Coffee you're going to love Inside Out Culture Podcast. Two culture experts with 30 years of experience, going deep on workplace cultures that have made the news. Taking lessons from the inside that you can use on the outside to improve your workplace culture, lift...
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It's cool to be kind
This episode is all about the transformative power of kindness in the workplace and how it contributes to a positive culture and high employee morale. In this episode I talk about: 🌟 The Strength of Kindness: We often misconceive it as a weakness, but it's a key ingredient in a thriving…
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Solving the Back to Office Struggle
The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant changes in the workplace since the industrial revolution. As organisations continue to grapple with the idea of returning to the office, they're encountering a host of challenges. Balancing productivity, trust, and employee preferences...
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Take this one action to transform your meetings
Without doubt one of the most problematic areas of our worklife, and one that I hear about all the time from the organisations I work with, is meetings. So in this episode of Culture and Coffee we're going to unpack the 'whys and whats' of meetings and figure out a better way to do this. I cover:...
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Why relationships are key to success
On this episode, I talk about the importance of teams taking the time to build respectful, empathetic relationships and why this is important to performance. I cover: Building and Nurturing Team Relationships The Challenges of Communication Breakdowns and Personality Clashes Emotional Connections...
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How to celebrate success, respectfully
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast, I talk about celebrating success and how to ensure that it is done in the right way.
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The culture crisis in sports
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the culture crisis that’s rife in professional sports. The white paper that I discuss on the show can be downloaded from www.theteamcode.com
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Is it possible to hire for culture fit?
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about how to bring people into a team in a way that complements and adds to the culture.
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Why you feel burnt out at work
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the reasons why you feel burnt out and how to overcome the feeling of overwhelm and make time for yourself.
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Five things great cultures do
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide insights into five things that vibrant workplace cultures do.
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Is your culture passive aggressive?
On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the rise of passive aggressive behaviour in cultures, how to spot it and what you can do to deal with it.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
On this podcast I'll be providing regular insights to help you to build a vibrant workplace culture. From fewer emails and meetings to more celebration of success and courageous conversations, I'll be covering it all. No endless waffle, just sensible, practical advice.
HOSTED BY
Colin D Ellis
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Colin on Culture have?
Colin on Culture currently has 125 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Colin on Culture about?
On this podcast I'll be providing regular insights to help you to build a vibrant workplace culture. From fewer emails and meetings to more celebration of success and courageous conversations, I'll be covering it all. No endless waffle, just sensible, practical advice.
How often does Colin on Culture release new episodes?
Colin on Culture publishes regularly with 125 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Colin on Culture?
You can listen to Colin on Culture on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Colin on Culture?
Colin on Culture is created and hosted by Colin D Ellis.
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