Corey-osity Unleashed

Hope is a Strategy: Why Leaders Must Learn to Cultivate ItWhat do people all over the world want most from their leaders? According to Gallup's research presented at the World Government Summit, the answer is hope. Not strategy. Not vision decks. Hope. And yet almost no leadership development programme teaches it.Ian Pettigrew has spent years researching exactly this gap. In this conversation, he unpacks what hope actually is — and why it's not the same as optimism, positivity, or wishful thinking. Hope, by his definition, is a belief that the future can be better combined with knowing what you can do to make it so. That small distinction changes everything about how leaders show up, how teams perform, and why some people find a way through the hardest circumstances while others don't.This episode goes deep on the practical side: Ian's Hope Play Sheet (free at hope.tips), why toxic positivity actively undermines hope, what the Fyre Festival documentary teaches us about silencing concerns, and why some leaders have already scuppered their ability to inspire hope before any tactic can help. Ian also brings his own story — recovering from a trimalleolar ankle fracture during lockdown and training to cycle the height of Everest on an indoor bike — as a lived demonstration of the framework he teaches.If you lead people and you've ever been told to "give your team more hope" without any guidance on how to actually do it, this is the episode that fills that gap.Keywords: Ian Pettigrew, Hope, Leadership, Realistic Optimism, Hope Play Sheet, Positive Psychology, Employee Engagement, Workplace Culture, Strengths, ResilienceChapters:00:00 Introduction to Ian Pettigrew05:40 The Everest Challenge: A Journey of Hope13:32 Ian's Life Journey and Career Path23:58 Exploring the Concept of Hope28:32 Practical Tools for Cultivating Hope33:21 The Balance of Realistic Optimism38:43 Practical Steps for Leaders

What if the secret to your next breakthrough idea isn't thinking harder — but getting your ego completely out of the way?Fredrik Haren has spent 25 years and visited 75+ countries on a single mission: to understand where the best ideas actually come from. He calls himself the Creativity Explorer, and in this conversation with Debra and Ken, he lives up to the title — dismantling assumptions about creativity, sharing stories from Thailand to Bhutan to Vietnam, and leaving you with one deceptively simple challenge that could change how you think forever.You'll hear why a Thai origami artist has never experienced creative anxiety (and what her "idea nap" can teach stressed-out Western teams), why the Norwegian rail company turned a humiliating mistake into their most prized internal award, and why the origin of AI traces back to an African tribe praying with sticks and stones.Fredrik argues that creativity isn't a talent, a technique, or a team-building exercise. It's an inward motion — a path to discovering who you truly are. And the single biggest thing standing in your way? Your ego.Whether you're a leader trying to build a genuinely creative culture, a professional tired of innovation theatre, or simply someone who wants to think differently — this episode will rewire how you see ideas.Keywords: Fredrik Haren, Creativity, Innovation, Leadership, Creative Block, Workplace Culture, Diversity of Thought, Ego, Constraints, Idea Generation, Cross-Cultural Insights, Professional Speaking, Meditation, Personal DevelopmentChapters:00:00 Introduction to Fredrik Haren and the Origins of a Creativity Explorer02:33 Creativity Is Different to Different People03:19 The Problem with "Creative Accounting"04:02 Insights from 37 Countries on Creativity05:50 The Thai Origami Artist and the Idea Nap08:26 Why Creativity Matters — The Second Best Human Feeling09:59 Hackathons, Belonging and Ideation Empathy12:39 When Companies Talk Innovation but Punish Mistakes15:31 The Norwegian Rail Clip — A Lesson in Corporate Humility16:07 Open the Door to Possibilities17:08 From Expert to Explorer — A Child's Accidental Rebrand19:43 Life on Swan Island and the Power of Curiosity20:21 Paying It Forward in Professional Speaking22:05 It's Not Copyright, It's Copying Right24:06 From African Sticks and Stones to AI27:54 Why We Fail to Copy Good Ideas28:53 Marry Someone from a Different Culture30:31 Diversity as a Creativity Superpower31:30 Stop Blaming Companies — Blame Yourself32:12 Role Model Creativity as a Leader33:29 Why Constraints Fuel Better Ideas35:21 What Gets in the Way — Ego as the Creativity Killer37:30 Creativity Is an Inward Motion39:07 T-Shirts, Slogans and Humanity to the Power of Ideas40:17 Fredrik's One Challenge — Meditate for Five Minutes42:37 Mortal Ideas vs Divine Ideas42:54 Where to Find Fredrik Haren

Employee engagement just hit a decade low -- despite over a billion dollars poured into fixing it. What if the entire industry has been solving the wrong problem?Leadership researcher Zach Mercurio has spent years studying what actually makes people thrive at work. His answer isn't another engagement framework or recognition platform. It's something far more elemental: mattering. The daily experience of feeling seen, heard, valued, and needed by the people around you. His research across 22 industries and thousands of workers reveals a striking pattern -- it's never the perks, the awards, or the programs. It's the micro-moments. A name remembered. A unique strength named. A check-in that has nothing to do with project status.In this conversation, Zach unpacks the three pillars of mattering, explains why "hurry and care can't coexist," and shares one deceptively simple question that has transformed relationships from boardrooms to car rides with teenagers. He also challenges the "toxic employee" label (less than 1.5% of people are actually narcissists), reframes quiet quitting as a natural withdrawal response to feeling insignificant, and makes the case that leadership is a separate occupation -- not something you bolt onto technical expertise.Whether you lead a team of 3 or 3,000, this episode will change how you think about every interaction you have tomorrow.Keywords: Zach Mercurio, Mattering, Leadership, Purpose, Employee Engagement, Meaningfulness, Workplace Culture, Human Connection, Curiosity, Personal DevelopmentChapters:00:00 Introduction to Zach Mercurio and His Journey02:48 The Importance of Mattering in Work and Life05:57 Understanding the Concept of Mattering09:01 The Power of Small Interactions12:00 The Need for Genuine Connection15:02 The Mattering Deficit in Modern Society17:58 Re-Skilling for Human Connection20:55 The Three Pillars of Mattering23:18 The Importance of Caring and Affirmation25:30 Understanding Leadership as an Occupation30:32 Recognizing Signs of Disengagement36:06 Practical Steps to Foster Mattering38:56 Curiosity About Mattering in Leadership

What happens when a company in a small community decides to go all-in on its people — and wins Employer of the Year doing it?Sally Gibson, MD of Dawleys, didn't follow a textbook. She built a culture where employees nominate each other on a "WOW Board," where every single role has its own purpose and mission statement, and where leaders are measured not by how tightly they control — but by how freely they let go.In this episode, Sally reveals the surprisingly simple practices behind Dawleys' award-winning culture: why hiring for attitude beats hiring for skills, how psychological safety turns average teams into exceptional ones, and the recognition programme that costs almost nothing but changed everything.If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like when a business puts people genuinely first — not as a slogan, but as a strategy — this is the conversation you need to hear.Keywords: Dawleys, Sally Gibson, leadership, employee engagement, workplace culture, awards, community responsibility, employee development, recognition programs, customer serviceChapters:00:00 Introduction to Dawleys and Sally Gibson02:29 Winning Awards and Recognition05:06 Creating a Culture of Trust and Safety07:31 The Importance of Development in Leadership10:10 Leadership Philosophy and Personal Growth12:40 Measuring Employee Happiness and Engagement14:59 The WOW Board and Recognition Practices17:43 Leadership Journey and Global Experiences25:33 Recognizing Community Impact29:35 Building a Supportive Workplace Culture34:31 Developing Leadership Skills44:56 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

SummaryIn this conversation, Dan Green discusses the importance of feedback in corporate culture, the concept of Radical Candor, and the essential qualities of great leadership. He emphasizes the need for trust and connection in leadership roles, the significance of giving and receiving feedback, and how military lessons can be applied to modern management practices. The discussion highlights the challenges many leaders face in providing effective feedback and the necessity of fostering a culture of appreciation and open communication.Keywordsfeedback, leadership, Radical Candor, corporate culture, appreciation, trust, management, communication, employee engagement, military leadershipChapters00:00 Introduction to Dan Green02:14 Understanding the Feedback Crisis11:16 The Concept of Radical Candor17:41 Building a Feedback Culture23:51 The Importance of Timing in Feedback24:17 Defining Great Leadership27:07 Sustainable Leadership vs. Short-Term Success28:43 Engagement and Team Performance29:42 Debunking Leadership Myths32:45 Lessons from Military Leadership37:49 Building Trust and Connection in Leadership

In this engaging conversation, Ben Morton, a leadership expert, discusses the intersection of AI and leadership. He shares insights on how AI is transforming leadership roles, the essential competencies of great leaders, and the ethical considerations leaders must keep in mind when using AI. The discussion emphasizes the importance of human connection, critical thinking, and the need for leaders to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing their effectiveness rather than replacing their roles. Ben also introduces his AI clone, BenAI, designed to support ongoing learning and development for leaders.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Leadership05:45 Ben's Journey and Leadership Philosophy19:12 AI's Impact on Leadership Competencies26:37 The Risks of AI in Leadership27:58 What Should Leaders Avoid Delegating to AI?33:09 The Importance of Embracing AI as a Leader39:16 Using AI to Enhance Curiosity and Decision-Making40:08 Introducing BenAI: A Personal AI Clone for Leadership42:37 The Core Truth of LeadershipKeywordsAI, leadership, Ben Morton, leadership competencies, AI in business, ethical leadership, critical thinking, management vs leadership, BenAI

Chapters00:57 Exploring ‘Surrounded by Bad Bosses’15:01 The Importance of Communication Styles19:29 Leadership Dynamics and Trust22:26 The Power of Admitting Uncertainty25:27 Understanding Leadership and Management29:30 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership32:43 The Need for Purpose in Leadership36:08 Cultural Expectations of Leadership40:22 The Disconnect Between Expertise and LeadershipSummaryIn this second part, the focus shifts to *Surrounded by Bad Bosses* and the everyday psychology of working with - and being - a boss. Thomas traces the path from his earlier books to a “two‑books‑in‑one” format that helps managers and employees understand each other’s realities. He argues most bad bosses aren’t malicious - they’re unaware - and makes the case that self‑awareness is the best predictor of leadership effectiveness because it unlocks people skills and clear communication. Using practical analogies (you need two points on the map to plan any journey), he explains why leaders must know their own pace and adapt up or down to meet others. The discussion covers trust, clarity, and accountability; why expertise doesn’t automatically translate into leadership; how to map a team’s colour mix to anticipate friction (Excel vs PowerPoint people); and why leaders must still lead - listening deeply without abdicating decisions. The hosts connect Thomas’s views to their 3 A’s (Awareness, Acceptance, Action), and the group explores creating conversations that seek causes over blame, so issues get solved rather than recycled.KeywordsThomas Erikson, Surrounded by Bad Bosses, leadership, management, trust, communication styles, team dynamics, self-awareness, purpose, clarity, servant leadership debate, mapping team styles, adaptation, psychological safety, expectations, accountability, expertise vs leadership

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Thomas Erikson and His Work02:42 The Concept Behind 'Surrounded by Idiots'07:36 Understanding Personality Colours and Their Impact12:15 Cultural Differences and Commonalities in Human Behaviour18:07 Finding the Right Work Environment for Your Personality23:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Communication29:19 Navigating Workplace Relationships and Communication Styles35:31 Understanding Different Management Styles39:13 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership40:15 The Evolution of Thomas Erikson's Work45:28 Connecting with Audiences Through Social MediaSummaryWe kick off Season 2 with a barnstormer of a podcast! It was so big we had to split it into two sections! Today is part 1, where Swedish behaviourist and bestselling author Thomas Erikson introduces *Surrounded by Idiots* and the colour-based interpretation of the DISC model. He explains why the provocative title works as a mirror for our own communication blind spots and why most people are blends of colours rather than single types. The conversation explores universal patterns he’s observed worldwide - despite cultural differences - and practical ways to adapt when you don’t yet know someone’s style (“go green”: talk less, listen more, ask open questions). Thomas contrasts natural style vs work style, warns that long-term over‑adaptation - especially across opposite colours (e.g., red at work, green at home) - can lead to stress and burnout, and encourages people to seek environments where they can thrive. He and the hosts discuss labels vs helpful language, clarity vs endless meetings, and why communication - not process - causes most workplace friction. Thomas shares early-career lessons from being a “lousy boss,” underscores personal responsibility in conflicts, and previews the expanded edition of *Surrounded by Idiots* with added material on motivations/drivers and answers to the most frequent reader questions, refined for a wider audience.KeywordsThomas Erikson, Surrounded by Idiots, personality colours, DISC colours, communication, listening, cultural differences, behaviourism, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, workplace fit, burnout risk, mentoring, adaptation, Finnish culture, clarity, expanded edition

Join hosts Ken and Debra Corey for an eye-opening conversation with Grace Judson – a leadership coach, former Fortune 500 executive (25+ years at EMC, Munich Re, HP), and author of The Five Deadly Shoulds of Office Politics. Grace shares how embracing leadership humility and vulnerability can transform your leadership mindset and team culture.We delve into building a coaching culture where managers coach rather than command, fostering psychological safety so even quiet voices are heard, and empowering your people without falling into common traps. Grace discusses her “three resistance monsters” framework for effective change management, revealing why communicating the “why” of change (not just the how) is critical to gaining buy-in – echoing Simon Sinek’s emphasis on purpose. She also tackles trust and empowerment: why trust is the foundation of any great team, how leaders can rebuild trust after missteps, and how true empowerment involves guidance and clarity (not just tossing people in the deep end). Grace candidly challenges conventional wisdom on office politics and the “deadly shoulds,” showing how to navigate workplace dynamics with authenticity and courage.This episode is packed with real-life stories – from Ken’s own lesson in humility to wisdom from thought leaders like Alan Alda (on listening), Brené Brown (on vulnerability), and Grace Hopper (on leading vs managing). Grace even touches on her OHIMA 2024 keynote on the emotional, people-centric side of change leadership, underscoring the human heart of successful change.Tune in for a masterclass on leading with empathy, clarity, and courage – perfect for senior HR professionals, seasoned executives, and anyone aspiring to lead positive change. Don’t forget to subscribe to Corey-osity Unleashed, leave a review, follow us on LinkedIn, and visit https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashed for more insights and episodes.Keywords:#LeadershipHumility #CoachingCulture #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #LeadershipMindset #OfficePolitics #TeamDynamics #TrustAndEmpowerment #EmployeeEngagement #ChangeLeadership

In a world where workplace culture can make or break performance, Claude Silver is proving that heart-led leadership drives results. As the first-ever Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia – and a sought-after speaker on modern leadership – Claude has transformed traditional HR into a people-first experience. She’s now channeling her insights into an upcoming book, Be Yourself at Work, to help leaders build more authentic cultures. In this emotionally charged yet practical episode, Claude shares how infusing empathy, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection into business can ignite engagement and boost the bottom line.Claude’s Journey & Vision: We explore her unconventional rise to the C-suite and how she partnered with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to build a vibrant, high-trust culture from the ground up. Claude discusses her philosophy of “bringing humanity to the workplace,” recounting powerful learning moments that shaped her approach. You’ll hear how she turned HR into a strategic People and Experience team, aligning talent development, employee well-being, and business outcomes.Key Insights for HR Leaders: This conversation dives into the how-to for today’s future of work challenges – from hybrid work dynamics to strengthening engagement and inclusion. Claude breaks down why diversity and inclusion in hiring isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s smart business – and how creating a culture of belonging fuels innovation. We talk about building a coaching culture where continuous feedback and accountability accelerate growth. Claude emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how emotional intelligence bridges cross-cultural gaps and drives employee engagement.Whether you’re an HR director reimagining your company culture or a manager striving to elevate team performance, Claude’s stories and strategies will resonate. She shows that when leaders show up with empathy, authenticity, and intentional support, employees thrive – and businesses do too.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review – your support helps more leaders find these insights.🎧 Want more human-first leadership like this? Subscribe and listen to the full episode at StepItUpHR.com/Corey-osityUnleashed.💡 Learn more about Claude’s approach at ClaudeSilver.com👥 Connect with Claude on LinkedIn for daily leadership wisdom.🚀 For behind-the-scenes extras, subscribe on [YouTube] and follow @StepItUpHR on LinkedIn.Discovery Keywords/Hashtags:#Leadership #FutureOfWork #EmployeeEngagement #CompanyCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #HR

Ready to build a culture that truly kicks ass and learn how not to suck at leadership? In this bold, no-nonsense episode, former WD-40 Company CEO Garry Ridge – bestselling author of Any Dumbass Can Do It – shares his hard-won leadership lessons and infectious passion for creating an extraordinary workplace. Garry transformed WD-40 from a small business into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse brand over 25 years, cultivating a culture where employees thrived, loved their work, and achieved extraordinary results. Under his people-centric leadership, WD-40’s market cap skyrocketed from $300 million to $3.6 billion, with employee engagement hitting an unheard-of 93% (compare that to a global average of ~31% – a crisis he calls “disgusting”). His secret? Embracing “learning moments” instead of failures and banishing fear from the workplace. This conversation is a masterclass in trust-based culture building, delivered with the humor, heart, and straight-talk you’d expect from the self-proclaimed “Dean of Dumbassery.” 😎The Power of Dumbassery: Why Garry proudly runs a “School of Dumbassery” on LinkedIn (and why you never graduate from it – because the learning never stops). Discover how embracing humility and continuous learning can be a leader’s superpower, turning mistakes into “learning moments” that drive growth and innovation.Managers ≠ Coaches: How WD-40 replaced managers with coaches to create a high-engagement coaching culture. Garry explains how simply changing that title from “boss” to “coach” (and backing it up with action) boosted trust and respect – 97% of employees said they respected their coach – because coaches focus on helping people win, not bossing them around. Learn how this shift increased psychological safety and performance across the organization.Trust, Values, and “Learning Moments”: The inside scoop on building a trust-based workplace culture where psychological safety is paramount. Garry shares how removing the word “failure” and calling them “learning moments” eliminated fear and encouraged people to speak up and take risks. He discusses fostering belonging and tribal mentality (“tribe members,” not employees) and leading with a compelling set of values that “protect people and set them free.”Leading with Heart (and a Backbone of Steel): Why servant leadership doesn’t mean being a pushover. Garry and the hosts explore the balance between being tough-minded and tender-hearted – having a “heart of gold and a backbone of steel,” as Garry puts it. He shares how values-based decisions and candid “caring confrontations” build trust over time, and why real leadership is “not a popularity contest, it’s a contact sport.”Creating Legend-Level Culture: How Garry’s approach aligns with insights from leadership icons and influencers. Hear references to Ken Blanchard (co-author of Helping People Win at Work), the no-BS wisdom of Marshall Goldsmith, and the research of Harvard’s Amy Edmondson on psychological safety. This episode is packed with real-talk examples and visionary advice to help HR leaders and executives stop sucking at leadership and start building a culture employees can’t stop raving about.Listen now and join us on the journey to a culture that kicks ass! For more great insights and episodes, visit our podcast homepage:Podcast Homepage: https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashedAny Dumbass Can Do It (Garry Ridge): https://amzn.to/YourAffiliateLinkThe Right Kind of Wrong (Amy Edmondson): https://amzn.to/RightKindOfWrongHelping People Win at Work (Ken Blanchard & Garry Ridge): https://amzn.to/HelpingPeopleWinAtWorkWhat Got You Here Won’t Get You There (Marshall Goldsmith): https://amzn.to/WhatGotYouHereGarry Ridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/School of Dumbassery (LinkedIn Group): https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14633002/Power of Dumbassery Quiz (The Learning Moment): https://www.thelearningmoment.net/quiz

In this episode of Corey-osity Unleashed, we journey from the cricket pitch to the boardroom with Roland Butcher – a man who knows how to break boundaries and build winning teams. As England’s first Black cricketer, Roland shattered a major barrier in sports history, and he’s just put his story to paper in his June 2025 autobiography Roland O. Butcher: Breaking Boundaries as England’s First Black Cricketer. Now an author, consultant, and speaker, Roland shares the leadership wisdom behind that trailblazing journey in a conversation brimming with passion and performance-driven insights.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Roland turned adversity (being told “you can’t do it”) into fuel for success – and how you can cultivate that same resilience in your team.Why burnout strikes even top performers and why addressing mental health is non-negotiable for sustained performance.The “learning moments” behind Roland’s coaching philosophy – from timing feedback for maximum impact to building trust across your team.How embracing a coaching culture and empowering individuals ignites employee engagement, loyalty, and high performance.Why stable leadership and mentorship are game-changers for long-term team success – in sports and in business alike.Roland also draws powerful parallels between sports and the corporate world, showing that great leadership fundamentals are universal. He illustrates how the best leaders put people first, foster an inclusive, engaged, and resilient workplace culture, and adapt to change with confidence. This conversation will inspire HR directors, C-suite executives, and frontline managers to rethink their leadership playbook and step up their game.🔊 Tune in now and let Roland’s story ignite your own leadership journey. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, follow us on LinkedIn, and visit https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashed to continue the conversation and access exclusive resources!Keywords#Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #Empowerment #Coaching #Resilience

Are you an HR leader or executive who believes in leading with heart and purpose – yet feel the weight of quarterly targets pressing down? You’re not alone. In this moving episode, Dr. John Blakey (author of Force for Good) shares how leaders can achieve outstanding results without betraying their values. Through candid stories and expert guidance, John inspires you to bridge the gap between profit and purpose, so you never have to choose one over the other.Imagine a workplace where setbacks are seen as learning moments rather than failures. John’s approach shows how every challenge can spark growth. He advocates building a coaching culture where managers become mentors and every conversation fuels development and trust. By embracing intrinsic values and a mindset of continuous learning, you’ll discover how to transform employee engagement and loyalty in tangible ways.Drawing on decades of executive coaching and speaking, Dr. Blakey shares signature insights from Force for Good. Learn how purpose-driven leaders thrive by aligning personal conviction with business strategy – delivering the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. John’s passion shines through stories like “Project Daffodil,” illustrating how hope and resilience can flourish even in crisis. He’ll challenge you to move from a life of success to a life of significance, leading with authenticity and courage.John also introduces three types of purpose-driven leaders – the Zealot, the Martyr, and the Pied Piper – helping you identify your own leadership style and its potential pitfalls on the journey to being a force for good.This episode will touch your heart and recharge your leadership journey. It’s a must-listen for anyone striving to be a people-first leader in today’s evolving workplace. Subscribe to Corey-osity Unleashed and never miss an episode. If our conversation inspires you, please leave a review – your feedback helps others find the show. Continue the dialogue: connect with us (and Dr. Blakey) on LinkedIn, and visit https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashed for more insights and resources.Keywords#PurposeDrivenLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #CoachingCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleFirst

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered Leadership01:57 Kul Mahay's Journey from Policing to Leadership08:38 Defining Human-Centered Leadership12:28 Balancing Human-Centered Leadership with Business Goals17:02 The Importance of Leadership Courage23:04 Involving Employees in Decision-Making27:09 The Shift from Traditional to Modern Leadership27:44 Human-Centered Leadership and DEI34:52 The Importance of Individuality in Leadership39:45 Challenges of Human-Centered Leadership48:05 Building Trust in OrganizationsSummaryIn this episode of Curiosity Unleashed, Debra and Ken engage with Kul Mahay to explore the concept of human-centered leadership. Kul shares his journey from a police officer to a leadership consultant, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and building trust within organizations. The conversation delves into the definition of human-centered leadership, the balance between human aspects and business goals, and the necessity of involving employees in decision-making processes. Kul highlights the courage required from leaders to embrace vulnerability and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. In this conversation, Kul Mahay discusses the principles of human-centered leadership, emphasizing its importance in today's organizational culture. He critiques the traditional views on DEI, arguing that true inclusion goes beyond mere representation and requires a focus on individuality and trust. The discussion highlights the challenges leaders face in adopting a human-centered approach and the necessity of building trust within teams to foster a positive work environment.Keywordshuman-centered leadership, emotional intelligence, leadership courage, organizational culture, employee engagement, trust in leadership, innovation, decision-making, leadership styles, transformation, human-centered leadership, DEI, soft skills, individuality, trust, leadership challenges, employee engagement, organizational culture, diversity, equity

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ruth Wooderson's Journey02:53 Breaking Barriers for Women in Leadership06:10 The Loneliness of Leadership08:45 Authenticity in Leadership11:49 Building Trust and Team Dynamics15:09 Navigating Post-COVID Work Environments23:12 The Purpose of Office Return27:01 Trust and Flexibility in the Workplace29:37 Personal Growth and Authenticity35:20 The Human Side of Leadership38:57 AI: A Tool, Not a Solution42:12 Love Letters: A Unique Leadership ApproachSummaryIn this conversation, Ruth Wooderson shares her remarkable journey from a part-time employee to the Chief Information Officer at Santander. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the loneliness that often accompanies leadership positions. Ruth emphasizes the need for trust and open communication within teams, and she reflects on the changes in work dynamics post-COVID, advocating for a balance between flexibility and accountability in the workplace. In this conversation, Ruth discusses the evolving nature of work, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the office and the need for trust and flexibility in workplace policies. She reflects on her personal growth journey, advocating for authenticity in leadership and the significance of embracing one's true self. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in leadership, highlighting it as a tool rather than a solution, and concludes with Ruth's unique approach to communication through 'love letters' to her team, fostering engagement and connection.Keywordsleadership, women in tech, authenticity, career journey, trust, team dynamics, post-COVID work, barriers for women, resilience, career progression, office return, workplace flexibility, leadership, personal growth, AI in leadership, employee engagement, human connection, authenticity, trust in teams, communication

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development02:04 Lee Woolley's Journey in Leadership08:19 Generational Changes in Leadership14:03 The Importance of Trust in Leadership17:27 Integrating Soft Skills into Leadership Development22:12 Challenging Traditional HR Practices24:12 Transforming Performance Reviews25:44 The Pitfalls of Leadership Development30:07 Embedding Change in Leadership Practices36:19 The Value of Learning and Development41:22 Communicating the ROI of L&D43:35 Key Takeaways for Effective Leadership DevelopmentSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Lee Woolley shares his extensive experience in leadership development, particularly within the hospitality industry. He discusses the evolution of leadership styles across generations, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and trust in modern leadership. Lee also highlights the need for integrating soft skills into leadership training and challenges traditional HR practices, advocating for a more dynamic and responsive approach to employee development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of leadership development, performance reviews, and the importance of learning and development (L&D) in organizations. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional annual reviews, the necessity of embedding change in leadership practices, and the critical role of effective communication in demonstrating the ROI of L&D initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to leadership training, the significance of understanding employee needs, and the value of fostering a culture that embraces learning and innovation.KeywordsLeadership development, generational differences, trust, soft skills, HR practices, emotional intelligence, servant leadership, career pathways, hospitality industry, learning and development, leadership development, performance reviews, learning and development, corporate culture, employee engagement, training effectiveness, change management, organizational success, ROI of L&D, leadership strategies

"I want to stop this Monday to Friday dying."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Kelly's Journey10:56 Understanding Burnout: Definitions and Symptoms19:58 Recognizing Burnout in Yourself and Supporting Others24:43 Understanding Moral Injury in the Workplace30:49 The Importance of Psychological Safety35:05 The Role of Leaders in Preventing Burnout38:35 The Cost of Burnout on Organizations42:31 Practical Steps to Combat BurnoutSummaryIn this conversation, Kelly Swingler, a burn-out expert, shares her personal journey with burnout and her mission to eradicate it from the workplace. She discusses the symptoms and definitions of burnout, emphasizing its seriousness and the need for organizations to take responsibility. Kelly also highlights the importance of recognizing burnout in oneself and others, and the role of leaders in supporting their teams to prevent it. In this conversation, Kelly Swingler discusses the critical issues surrounding burnout in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, the role of leaders, and the need for individuals to establish boundaries. She highlights the concept of moral injury and its impact on employee well-being, while also addressing the significant costs of burnout on organizations. Practical steps for combating burnout are provided, underscoring the necessity of understanding one's sense of self and the importance of prevention over cure.KeywordsBurnout, workplace wellness, mental health, HR, leadership, stress management, well-being, coaching, organizational change, employee support, burnout, workplace wellness, psychological safety, leadership, moral injury, employee well-being, organizational culture, high performers, stress management, mental health.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joe Wright and her Mission04:20 The Journey to Writing 'No More Sh*t Managers'12:11 Challenging the Status Quo in Coaching and Leadership18:22 The Dichotomy of Coaching Culture20:46 Investing in People and Culture23:42 Building Trust Through Coaching26:46 The Seven Steps to a Coaching Culture32:27 Implementing the Seven Steps36:51 Self-Awareness as a Foundation for CoachingSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Jo Wright, co-founder of Coaching Culture and author of No More Sh*t Managers, shares her insights on the importance of coaching in leadership. She discusses the journey of writing her book, the challenges of changing perceptions about coaching, and the need for better conversations within organisations. Jo emphasises that coaching is not just for a select few but should be integrated into everyday leadership practices to foster trust and build high-performing teams.She also explores the importance of establishing a coaching culture within organisations, highlighting the need for investment in people and the tangible benefits of fostering a supportive environment. The discussion covers the dichotomy between individual and corporate behaviours, the significance of building trust, and the seven steps to creating a coaching culture. Jo underscores the necessity of self-awareness as a foundational skill for effective coaching and leadership.Keywordscoaching culture, leadership, Joe Wright, No More Sh*t Managers, transformational conversations, high performing teams, trust, communication, coaching conversations, bad bosses, coaching culture, employee engagement, organizational change, leadership development, self-awareness, trust building, coaching skills, cultural strategy, performance management, feedback

Corey-osity Unleashed is officially in motion! We’ve just uploaded our podcast intro, giving you a sneak peek at what’s to come.Get ready for bold conversations, fresh perspectives, and game-changing insights from industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors who challenge the status quo. From leadership to culture shifts (and maybe even a few wild stories along the way), we’re here to spark curiosity and shake things up.Stay tuned—our first full episode drops Friday at 9:00 AM with the incredible Jo Wright! You won’t want to miss it.🔔 Subscribe now and be the first to listen!