Heart & Graft

In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky explores the psychology of affirmations through the lens of motivational interviewing (MI). Drawing on neuroscience, workplace experience, and personal stories, this episode unpacks the difference between saying “thank you”, giving praise, and offering meaningful affirmations that build self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. Along the way, Nicky explores: why some feedback disappears into a “black hole”; how well-intentioned managers might being creating 'praise addicts', and how to use affirmations at work. Why listen? Learn the difference between praise, feedback and affirmations Understand how motivation really works Discover practical ways to build self-efficacy in others Explore how affirmations contribute to psychological safety Hear real-world examples you can immediately apply in leadership and workplace conversations Sign up to The Monthly Graft e-news community for additional content, including dealing with 'anticipatory grief' at work.

Joy at work isn’t about forced fun or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about the small, real things that make work feel worth doing: meaningful tasks, supportive relationships, trust, autonomy, and space to breathe. In this episode of Heart and Graft, we explore why joy matters, how it links to engagement and retention, and how job crafting can help people shape work in ways that fit their strengths and energy better. We also talk about the difference between genuine joy and forced fun, and how leaders can create the conditions where positive moments can happen naturally. If you care about wellbeing, engagement, or creating workplaces where people can be happy, this one is for you. Hear how joy at work shows up in everyday moments, not just big gestures. Explore why autonomy, meaning, and good relationships matter so much. Get practical ideas (job crafting) for making work feel more human and sustainable. You can find Sam Palmer on LinkedIn, or visit her website Midlife Makeover to subscribe to her newsletters. And if you’d like extra reflections and bonus content, don’t forget to join The Monthly Graft newsletter.

For years, menopause at work was reduced to stereotypes, awkward jokes, and whispered conversations. But what if we’ve been missing the real story? In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky sits down with menopause coach and educator Sam Palmer to explore what menopause can actually look like in working life. Together, they unpack why so many women silently struggle at work and the small practical changes that can make a huge difference. This isn’t just a conversation for women experiencing menopause. It’s for managers, HR professionals, trainers, colleagues, partners, and anyone who wants to build more human workplaces. Why listen: Explore the organisational cost of avoiding talking about menopause Discover the neuroscience of the “menopause brain” Find a series of small, practical adjustments that genuinely help Learning how to move beyond token gestures and tick-box policies Find out the added strengths that menopause brings. Connect with Sam Palmer: Website: https://www.midlifemakeover.co.uk/middle-age-health-and-fitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampalmermidlifemakeover/ Facebook / Community: https://www.facebook.com/samsmidlifemakeover LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/midlifemakeover/

In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky talks with Mia Shepherd about workplace conflict: how it builds, how to reduce the chances of unpleasant conflict, and what to do when feelings boil over. Why listen To understand why conflict at work is often about something deeper than the surface issue. To hear practical ways to address tension before it escalates. Explore how our background can led us to avoid conflict with colleagues To explore how managers and facilitators can create space for honesty, repair, and better relationships at work. Together, Nicky and Mia explore how conflict can be managed in more civil and useful ways, including practical techniques such as creating space to talk, using timed speaking, and helping people focus on shared goals. They also look at how unspoken conflict can quietly damage relationships and performance, and why it matters to give people the chance to put things right. If you enjoy honest, reflective conversations about how to make workplaces more human, this episode is for you. And if you’d like extra reflections and bonus content, don’t forget to join The Monthly Graft newsletter.   Learn more about Mia's work through her website.      

In this episode of Heart and Graft, we explore one of the most human, and often hardest, experiences to navigate at work: grief. Nicky is joined by Hannah O’Hare, Chief Executive of Forest Holme Hospice, to discuss how bereavement shows up in the workplace, why people often struggle to talk about it, and what compassionate support can really look like. Together they explore the emotional, physical and practical impact of grief, the pressure managers feel to “get it right”, and the small but meaningful changes organisations can make to support grieving colleagues better.   Why listen: Learn what grief can look like at work, beyond sadness alone. Hear practical advice on what to say — and what not to panic about saying. Understand why some people want to talk, while others need quiet space and time. Find out how leaders can make it easier for people to talk about loss and bereavement. Discover low-cost, high-impact ways to make your workplace more bereavement friendly Hear honest reflections from someone working daily with grief, loss and end-of-life care. Sign up to The Monthly Graft e-news community for additional content, including dealing with 'anticipatory grief' at work. Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn Forest Holme Hospice Charity on YouTube

Uncover the nuances of workplace boundaries in Episode 20 of Heart and Graft, where Nicky, Mia, and Joel explore noticing when limits are crossed (for you or colleagues), why boundaries extend past work-life balance to policies, conversations, and power dynamics, and how they differ for leaders and team members. Gain clarity on this fuzzy topic through real stories and compassionate insights—ideal for HR, trainers, coaches, and anyone building human-focused workplaces. Why listen? Learn to recognize subtle boundary infringements, like discomfort in personal chats or clashing work styles, before resentment builds. See boundaries as more than "no" to tasks Understand leader-staff differences, like watching for team micro-expressions. Get practical ways to address clashes, redirect conversations, and foster team norms. Sign up to The Monthly Graft, the Heart and Graft newsletter for extra content and community updates.

Discover how Mark Crowter, MD of Galloway's Accountancy, builds thriving human cultures in a precision-driven profession. From jeans-wearing authenticity to embracing tough feedback, learn micro-moves that foster trust, growth, and retention amid rapid expansion. Why Listen Gain practical strategies for authentic leadership that prioritise people over processes, even in rule-bound industries.​ See how inviting challenge from teams leads to real policy changes.​ Understand scaling humanity through mergers by selecting "good folk" and embedding care in daily interactions. Want more Heart & Graft? Starting in April 2026, the all new, Monthly Graft. A newsletter with a round-up of our heart moments, graft tactics AND special bonus content exclusively available to subscribers. Interested? Sign up now.

Uncover the realities of unpaid carers juggling jobs and family care in this heartfelt Heart and Graft episode with advocate Charlie Beswick. Hear her journey raising son Harry, born with a rare condition, and her push for workplaces to see carers' resilience, empathy, and loyalty as assets—not burdens. Essential listening for HR leaders and anyone fostering human-focused teams.​ Why listen?​ Unlock carers' superpowers like pivoting, reading rooms, and crisis management that boost team morale. Understand how to be a great colleague to co-workers with caring responsibilities. The simple but valued things workplaces can do to help, and steps carers can take to get their needs met.   Learn more about Charlie's work via her website: Our Altered Life

When life (or germ season) blows up your beautifully crafted plans, how do you pivot without losing your sanity or your sense of self? In this solo episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky turns a last‑minute cancellation into an honest exploration of what it really feels like when Plan A falls apart – and how SCAMPER can help you find your way to Plan B, C or Z. From delayed trains and missing projector cables, to those 4 p.m. “rug-pull” moments that leave you frozen one minute and flooded with 47 half-formed ideas the next. Along the way, Nicky introduces SCAMPER – a simple, seven‑prompt creativity tool – and shows how it can support human workplace pivots, whether you’re a manager, HR, coach, or just someone whose week has imploded. Why listen: Get a practical, easy-to-steal SCAMPER framework you can use for any “oh no, now what?” moment at work. Learn the “freeze, flood, friend” pattern and why borrowing someone else’s calm brain can be a game-changer. Hear real-life pivot stories that make creativity feel human, messy and totally doable (no perfection required). Reflect on how identity and values shape which pivots feel tiny and which feel seismic.

Public sector veteran and coach Sarah Clein joins Nicky to unpack the "death by a thousand cuts" slide into burnout—fueled by workload surges, boundary bleed, and midlife squeezes like menopause and family stress. Drawing from her own cliff-edge exhaustion and book The Midlife Trenches, Sarah shares how to say "no," tune into somatic signals, and prioritise joy over endless rescuing.​ Why Listen? Gain actionable tips to reclaim personal vitality, support colleagues kindly, and foster human-centered workplaces.​ Hear real stories of jet-lagged denial, skipped medicals, and "Terminator" armor—plus antidotes like tiny "nos" and duck-feeding simplicity. Perfect for HR, L&D pros, coaches, and midlife leaders battling chronic stress; rediscover zest before it's "is this it?" Find out more about Sarah by visiting her website.

Have you ever snapped at a colleague like a grumpy teen—or noticed how your behavour changes when work pressures ramp up? In this Heart & Graft episode, Nicky cracks open two theories from Transactional Analysis (TA) with stories from her TA101 epiphany to her Dad's paint critique.   Why listen: Get to grips with the inner parent, adult and child in you. Make more conscious decisions about when and why to operate from different mindsets Demystify reactive behaviours to curb burnout and miscommunications Spot your dominant drivers under stress (we all have them!) and soften them for kinder self-reflection. Grab your 'special glasses'—because work's messy, but TA makes it human."

In this episode of Heart & Graft, Nicky is back in the virtual coffee shop with Mia Shepherd of Neupauer Training and Joel Fielder of Switchplane to talk about productivity without turning into a robot. They discuss why endless to-do lists and self-sabotage leave people feeling busy but unfulfilled, and how reframing productivity around value, boundaries and energy can change the way you work. From parenting and PhDs to software sprints and the “beanie hat of concentration”, this is a very human look at getting important work done without losing yourself.​ Why listen To rethink productivity from “How many tasks did I finish?” to “What progress did I make towards what really matters?”.​ To hear practical ideas like time boxing, 25‑minute sprints, planning, and visual “do not disturb” signals.​ To explore how impostor syndrome, perfectionism and emotional hijacks quietly derail your day – and what you can actually do about them.​ To learn how deadlines, accountability and tiny increments of progress can work with your personality instead of against it.​

In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky explores whether virtual and hybrid teams can ever feel as kind, connected and compassionate as working in the same room. Drawing on conversations with digital learning specialist and mindfulness teacher Alison Potter, and coach Sara Knight, the episode unpacks the benefits of online work, the three practical challenges, and the mindset shift that lets humanity “vibrate through” the screen.​ You will hear stories of online sessions that began as a “car crash” and evolved into confident, interactive spaces, research on teaching compassion virtually, and a powerful account of how being at home helped a client open up about burnout in ways they might never have done face to face. Nicky distils their insights into practical tips for anyone leading virtual teams or online sessions.​ Why listen To understand the real benefits and pitfalls of virtual working, beyond the usual productivity headlines.​ To hear evidence and lived experience on whether psychological safety and trust can genuinely flourish online.​ To learn concrete practices for making your virtual meetings and teams feel more human, compassionate and inclusive. As well as,​ ideas for handling Zoom fatigue, tech wobblies and emotional conversations when you are not in the same room.​ You can connect with Alison on LinkedIn and with Sara on LinkedIn or via her website. 

Imposter feelings are not a personal flaw, they are often the price of caring deeply and learning. In this episode of Heart and Graft, Nicky explores why so many thoughtful, conscientious professionals secretly feel like frauds and what leaders and teams can do to turn down the volume on that inner critic. We explore the origins of Imposter Phenomenon, and how some organisations are helping to combat it.    Why listen: To normalize imposter feelings.​ To collect playful but powerful practices (like “failure cakes”) you can adapt for your own workplace.​ To learn a simple mindset tool you can use yourself or when coaching others to challenge harsh self-talk.​

Ready to hit the fast lane to better workplace communication? In this solo episode, Nicky takes you on a playful journey across the Social Styles landscape. Through a vivid road-trip story, discover why understanding—and flexing—your style is the key to thriving teams and smoother days at work. Whether you’re a Driver, Amiable, Analytical, or Expressive (or just confused), tune in for insights, and tips on crossing the communication finish line together. Why Listen? Learn a memorable framework for understanding the different preferences we have when we communicate. Pick up practical strategies to adapt your style, build rapport, and cut down on workplace friction. Relatable analogies make theory stick. Be inspired by a fun "flex your style" challenge you can try this week.

This special bonus episode for World Kindness Day explores the transformative power of kindness at work with Georgina Klovig Skelton, Director of Kindness at o3e, a Brighton-based team-building company. From creative corporate events centred on charity—the bike builds, care packs, and adapted sports gear—to everyday gestures like making tea and checking in on colleagues, Georgina’s stories illuminate how kindness fosters real connection and positive organisational change. The conversation weaves practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and reflections on culture, recognition, and resilience. Why Listen? Gain ideas for embedding kindness into team culture, from workplace rituals to charity-driven events.​ Hear real-life examples showing how small acts of care and recognition spark greater trust, cooperation, and resilience at work.​ Leave inspired by easy, actionable ways to “just do it,” embracing kindness daily for bigger impacts.

This episode of Heart & Graft delves deep into neurodivergence in the workplace, featuring a candid conversation with autism consultant Laura Crowley, who shares her personal journey and over 25 years of professional experience. Together, we unpack some of the myths around autism, discuss practical low-cost adjustments for neurodivergent colleagues, and highlight the importance of universal design and neuro-affirmative practices in organizational culture.​ Why Listen? Discover the lived experience behind late autism identification and “auti birthday” celebrations.​ Learn how teams and managers can foster acceptance for neurodivergent staff.​ Get actionable tips on simple accommodations—flexible hours, headphones, and clear communication—that benefit everyone.​ Explore how perimenopause links with neurodivergent traits and why more women are seeking autism and ADHD assessments later in life.​

alt titles: The good, the awkward and the the specific, Praise Addicts Anonymous,    Ever wondered why workplace praise feels so awkward to receive, even though we crave it? Join Nicky in this candid café-style conversation with Joel Fielder and Mia Shepherd as they unpack the complex psychology of positive feedback at work.​ They discuss why generic "great job" comments disappear into thin air, explore the difference between praise and affirmations, and share their views on giving feedback that actually lands. From emotional bank accounts to creating "praise addicts," discover what makes recognition meaningful and sustainable.​ Why Listen: Learn the crucial difference between praise and affirmations – and why one creates dependency while the other builds lasting confidence.​ Understand the "emotional bank account" concept and how positive recognition helps teams admit mistakes faster and work more collaboratively.​ Explore workplace feedback systems – from digital platforms to peer recognition tools. Hear honest personal stories about the awkwardness of receiving compliments, creating praise notebooks, and transforming from managers who think "you get paid to be here" to leaders who build thriving teams​

In this episode of Heart and Graft, the very human experience of coping with organizational change takes center stage. Change is inevitable in the workplace, yet it brings a complex roller coaster of emotions—from shock and denial to acceptance and problem-solving. Join your host Nicky McCrudden as she unpacks the emotional journey of her own career change, reveals the psychological hungers that shape our reactions, and explores common thinking traps that keep us stuck. Whether you're navigating change yourself or supporting others through it, this episode offers practical insights, compassionate perspectives, and relatable stories to help you embrace change with resilience. Why Listen? Understand the emotional stages of navigating organizational change through the metaphor of the change curve as a roller coaster. Learn why change can feel so difficult and how basic human needs influence our reactions. Discover common thinking patterns that keep us stuck in painful cycles and practical ways to break free. Gain insights for managers, HR, coaches, and employees on supporting oneself and others during times of transition. This creative and insightful approach combines psychology, storytelling, and workplace wisdom to help listeners become more human and more resilient through change

In this episode of Heart and Graft, host Nicky McCrudden teams up with AI thought-leader and project management expert Emanuela Giangregorio to examine what being truly human at work means as AI becomes our new team member. From project status reports to mentorship moments, discover how collaboration between people and algorithms can free us to focus on what really matters: being human. With playful anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode will leave listeners inspired—and (hopefully) a little more optimistic about the digital future. Why Listen Insights on how AI can free up valuable time for genuine human connection at work. Practical advice for anyone wondering how to keep their career future-proof in the age of automation. Actionable strategies for upskilling and adapting, regardless of your role or learning style. A soulful reminder of the enduring power of how we make others feel—AI can crunch the numbers, but only humans can craft connection. Connect with Emanuela on LinkedIn, or view her books on Amazon.

Join host Nicky McCrudden for a solo exploration of empathy in the workplace on Heart and Graft. Through moving personal stories and the latest scientific insights, Nicky unpacks the good, the bad, and the risky sides of empathy—including how caring deeply can drive connection, but also lead to burnout or bias. The episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies for spotting and managing emotions, setting boundaries, and building healthier, more resilient teams. Why Listen? Get inspired by Nicky's warmth, honesty, and her blend of research and real-world stories. Discover how empathy truly works, why it matters for team success, and how to practice it wisely. Learn how unchecked empathy can lead to pitfalls and takeaway practical tactics for better empathy. This episode frames empathy as a powerful, sometimes risky tool for building resilient, thriving workplaces—offering listeners research-backed insight, practical approaches, and heartfelt inspiration for being more authentically human at work.

Join host Nicky McCrudden and psychologist-trainer Damian Fearns for a candid exploration of difficult conversations at work in this episode of "Heart and Graft". Drawing on decades of coaching and organisational psychology experience, Damian unpacks why these talks are so often avoided and shares concrete tips for addressing—and recovering from—challenging feedback exchanges. Why Listen? Discover relatable advice for giving and receiving feedback, preparing for tough talks, and building more resilient, trusting relationships—whether with managers, peers, or teams. Learn psychological strategies to create psychological safety, transforming feedback from a source of tension into an opportunity for real growth. This episode reframes difficult conversations as keys to stronger teams and lasting workplace bonds, offering listeners actionable approaches and inspirational insights for being more authentically human at work.

Explore the hidden dynamics of digital incivility in workplace communication as host Nicky McCrudden interviews occupational psychology PhD researcher Marc Fullman. In this episode of Heart and Graft, listeners gain a clear, research-based understanding of what incivility online looks like in the workplace—whether through curt e-mails, ambiguous Teams messages, or overlooked pleasantries—and why even low-level rudeness can erode wellbeing and drive disengagement. Why Listen? Learn how social norms differ across e-mail, Teams, and Slack, and discover practical steps managers and teams can take to prevent, address, and reduce the unintended harm of passive or active digital incivility. Hear relatable tips for sending kinder messages, diffusing tension, and recognising when communication styles—or missing details—might be undermining trust. With real examples, actionable advice, and insights on training interventions, this episode sheds light on why civility matters and how a moment’s pause before hitting ‘send’ can make workplaces 

Discover what truly makes a team compassionate in this solo episode of Heart and Graft with host Nicky McCrudden. Drawing from a standout study by Jacobus Lilius et al., Nicky explores seven simple, actionable everyday practices that set exceptional teams apart—spanning recognition, candid conversations, playful rituals, and collective support. Whether designing training, nurturing workplace wellbeing, or simply striving to be a kinder colleague, listeners will find research-backed insights and real stories to spark positive change.   Why Listen? Gain fresh evidence and vivid examples of how small daily actions can drive both compassion and high performance in teams. Hear relatable anecdotes and practical takeaways for fostering genuine care and resilience, whatever your role or sector. Tune in to understand how noticing, celebrating, and helping become the building blocks of a thriving team culture—where compassion is both a norm and a business advantage

Join host Nicky McCrudden for the introductory episode of Heart and Graft, a new podcast celebrating humanity at work. With warmth and honesty, Nicky shares her own journey—from childhood aspirations and a career in training to her current research on compassion in organisations. This episode sets the tone for a series that promises real stories, evidence-based discussion, and practical ideas for building workplaces where people lift each other up, embrace mistakes, and celebrate successes. Why Listen? Discover the guiding vision behind Heart and Graft —a podcast designed to support anyone seeking more kindness and authenticity in their workplace. With previews of upcoming topics like empathy, digital civility, and difficult conversations, this episode invites listeners to join a growing community focused on creating workplaces where people truly thrive.