Monday Muse with Harriet Molyneaux

One of the biggest challenges of modern work is how many of us lose touch with what actually matters to us.Not because we are careless, but because we are busy. Busy achieving. Busy performing.Of course having a roof over our heads and food on the table is important. But if we are lucky enough to have those things are in place, then what is all our busyness in service of?I spoke to the wonderful Christina Patterson, journalist, writer, broadcaster and executive coach, this week about ambition, identity, illness, beauty, loneliness and what it really means to live a good life.And at the heart of our conversation is the question: What matters enough that you are willing to build a life around it?The people I most admire are rarely the ones with the most perfect careers. They are the people whose paths feel coherent. People who have shaped both their work and their lives around what matters most to them.

One of the disciplines of leadership is the ability to see things differently. To step outside the stories we tell ourselves. To recognise that our perspective is only one view of the world. And sometimes to have the courage to question what we thought we already knew. My guest today is Justine Whitaker, an inspirational ChiefPeople Officer whose career has taken her from New Zealand to Australia and now to the UK. She shares that the golden thread of her career has always been ending up in situations she never thought she would be in, leading to a careerrich with experience and interest. In this discussion we explore:-         Expanded consciousness and the impact on leadership.-         We talk through how to get our of entrenched thought patterns, and how to ‘get you of your own way’.-         We delve deeply into the daily practice ofchanging thoughts and habits. This is an inspiring and unashamedly positive discussionaround the possibility of creating life tackling big meaningful things, while living each moment with more ease. Let’s get musing!

How do you build deeply trusted leadership and embed it into an organisation’s DNA?In this episode of Monday Muse, I speak with Michael Fraccaro, former Chief People Officer at Mastercard and now Senior Advisor at Egon Zehnder. Recorded during his final weeks at Mastercard, Michael reflects on his journey from school teacher to global CPO and explores why titles may grant authority, but moral courage creates real leadership.We examine the difference between formal and moral authority, and introduce DQ, the Decency Quotient. Michael shares practical insight into how trust is built through everyday actions, disciplined decisions, and consistency under pressure, including how Mastercard embedded this culture directly into performance and reward.This is a considered conversation about leadership that inspires rather than commands, and about making decisions you would be proud to stand behind. Let's get musing.

“The quality of our life is only as good as the quality of our connections.” - Esther PerelIn this episode of Monday Muse, Harriet Molyneaux explores the idea of the personal boardroom with Kirsty Lynagh, Chief People Officer at Baillie Gifford. Together they reflect on how the relationships we cultivate shape our leadership, offer outside perspective, reveal blind spots and sometimes simply provide the boost we need to move forward.Monday Muse is built on a simple idea: that radical regulation and expanded consciousness create the cognitive capacity to lead. Few things expand us more powerfully than the people we choose to learn from, lean on and be challenged by.Even while navigating a high growth environment and raising a family, Kirsty has intentionally made time to cultivate personal boardroom. There is the colleague who sharpened her commercial thinking. The mentor who holds up a mirror. The husband who grounds her when work feels all consuming. She shares that this has developed her leadership, resilience and building a life where she has no regrets about where she has spent her time. At a time when many leaders feel stretched and increasingly isolated, this is a considered conversation about connection as a source of clarity and capacity.Let’s get musing!

In this episode of Monday Muse, Harriet Molyneaux is joined by high performance coach, speaker, and former Olympic leader Dean Leak to explore what regulated leadership really looks like when it is tested in moments of conflict.Drawing on Dean’s experience as Head of Talent for Team GB Taekwondo, this conversation looks at how leaders can stay grounded, clear and effective under pressure, and why regulated leadership and expanded consciousness matter in high stakes environments.Together, Harriet and Dean explore:How regulated leadership shapes the quality of conflict at workThe balance between being unrelenting about high performance, and leading with care and trustDean’s ‘what it takes to win’ model and how it translates from elite sport into businessCognitive dissonance, when what we believe and how we act fall out of alignment, and the impact this has on problem solving and excellenceThis is not an episode about managing conflict better. It is about the inner capacity leaders need for conflict to be healthy at all.It's reflective conversation for leaders who want to be clear in order to be kind, and who care about emotional resilience, trust, and sustainable high performance.

“How do you take a decision when you don’t know how real or true a situation is?”This question, posed by my guest Amanda Cusdin, Chief People and Places Officer at Sage, stopped me in my tracks. It captures one of the defining challenges of our time, from Covid to AI, and the difficulty of finding clarity when the path ahead is uncertain. Amanda and I explore how to navigate uncertainty and high-pressure decisions. She shares three approaches to decision making and how to trust your intuition when the data is incomplete. Season 2 of Monday Muse explores how leaders regulate themselves, expand their consciousness, and build the cognitive capacity to lead to complexity. Amanda embodies all three. I cannot wait for you to listen. Let's get musing!

I spent Autumn 2025 interviewing a group of people I admire, not only for what they do, but for how they do it. I also chose people who have impressive ownership of their career, and I wanted to understand what makes them so brilliant.In this episode, I share three core insights from those conversations, including the importance of a fundamental sense of calm and learning to tune into energy rather than expectation.I reflect on what I learned and introduce the framing for Season 2 of Monday Muse:Radical regulation + expanded consciousness = the cognitive capacity to lead.Guests include Amanda Cusdin, Chief People Officer at Sage; Michael Fraccaro, former Chief People Officer at Mastercard; and Sophie Hascher, neuroscientist. Together, we explore how rooting leadership in these three areas enables:Enhanced decision-makingHigh-quality strategic and commercial thinkingCalm in high-pressure situationsLeadership grounded in empathy and influenceI can’t wait to explore these topics with you. Let’s get musing!

I am thrilled to be joined by Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers. Together we explore equity of opportunity and experience in the workplace:• Janes shares how growing up in South Africa and formative experiences that shaped a life devoted to reducing inequity• How far we have come since the 1970s, when men in the UK spent an average of just fifteen minutes a day with their children – a stat I am still getting my head around• Why the flexible working debate needs nuance, and how for many people, flexibility is simply the ability to see their kids or support someone with a long term illnessJane’s career is rich with meaning and purpose, and she makes a compelling case for retaining flexible working at a time when the trend in many places is to reduce it. But before we dive in, Working Families does brilliant and important work, if you felt like checking out their website or supporting their cause, take a look here:Working Families - Changing the way we live and work or donate to their Big Give Christmas Challenge where all donations are being matched between now and 9th December: ⁠https://donate.biggive.org/donate/a05WS000007EMHZYA4

“Reinvention is about feeling alive" shares the inspiring Maria Farres, the lead at Cancer Research UK for Organisational Development and Employee Experience. Maria has lived a life shaped by reinvention. At a time when many people have a fear-base relationship with reinvention, and organisations are fatigued by constant change, Maria offers a completely different perspective. She talks about seeking energy and joy at work, and choosing paths that help her feel more alive.In this conversation we explore:How to move from fear to feeling alive, and why this simpleshift can make reinvention joyfulThe internal reframes and small intentional changes thathelp you keep moving forwardThe mindsets, behaviours and practices that allow Maria tostay in a steady rhythm of reinvention without burning outWhile Maria shows that reinvention can be a source of joyand energy, she also reminds us that continual reinvention is essential for all of us in a world shaped by technological and societal disruption. I found this conversation fascinating and energising, let’sdive in.

Today I am delighted to be joined by Alice Bretherton, Chief People Officer at Burges Salmon. Many leaders I admire combine qualities that appear to be in tension. My guest this week, Alice Bretherton, brings her own powerful blend of theory and gut instinct. She describes her career in three phases, and she is now in her third as Chief People Officer at Burges Salmon. Her path sits within the corporate world yet does not follow a traditional ladder.In this conversation, we discuss:- How to navigate a non-linear career, and Alice shares her approach to contextualising ideas and connecting dots.- She shares the characteristics that help leaders reach the most senior roles, including learning agility and intuition.- Alice discusses the shifts that helped her build a career that feels meaningful and energising.This is a discussion about sense making and thegolden threads that shape a career. It’s for anyone thinking about the next phase of their career and wanting to shape a path that truly fits them. Let us dive in.

Today, I’m joined by Faris Aranki, a former partner at Baringa Partners who built a highly successful career in consulting, before stepping back to ask some deeper questions about what it really means to flourish. Faris now runs his own strategy consulting business, Shiageto, where he helps people and teams improve their strategic effectiveness. In our conversation, we talk about:o  The anxious overachiever (yes, I’m looking at you) and the challenges of making conscious choices in your careerwhen you’re wired to do what you think is expected of youo  The importance of having a variety of experiences to discover what you truly enjoy,  and Faris’s shares own process for finding this out and learning more about your personal preferenceso  On our last episode Ruth Handcock, CEO at Octopus Money, talks about the importance of joy at work, on this episode Faris shares why fun and playfulness at work aren’t just nice-to-haves, but actually key ingredients for better performance and greater joy  So many of the brilliant people I know are anxious overachievers. And so, this episode is for you.You can find more about Faris' work at Shiageto here.

Ruth is one of the sharpest thinkers I know. She leads in high-growth businesses with a mission, where the pressure comes from delivering commercial results and making a positive impact.In this conversation, she shares:• Her approach to achieving substantial growth, and how to navigate the change cycle of success• How she keeps work joyful, and why she only accepts stress when it truly matters• The prioritisation strategy that enables her to deliver more of what countsEvery time I speak with Ruth, I’m struck by the clarity she brings and feel emboldened to bring that clarity to my own work. I’m thrilled to bring her insights to you.

“You are your voice within - what you do and what you wear are not you.”This insight from Simon sits at the heart of our conversation. From the world of advertising to compassion and peace advocate, and lead of the Muhammad Ali Index, a groundbreaking effort to measure and strengthen compassion in the US, Simon’s journey is anything but ordinary.This episode is for people who want to forge extraordinary careers and lives,  ones that are fully aligned with who they are, what they value, and the impact they want to make in the world. It’s an invitation to build a path that won’t leave you looking back with a sense of “if only.”We explore:• Simon’s transformation from corporate professional to peace activist,  the crucible moment that set everything in motion, and the impact he has had on my own path• How to create a life that truly lights you up, by addressing root causes and embracing the moments, big and small, that shift your perspective• Why, in a culture “stacked with cash rather than compassion,” self-compassion is foundational, and how Simon’s work on the Muhammad Ali Compassion Index aims to elevate compassion across societySimon is a fascinating thinker who has helped me see the world, and my place in it, differently. I can’t wait for this conversation to spark new thinking in you.

What does it take to lead with calm and clarity when the stakes are high?That’s the question at the heart of this week’s Monday Muse, where I sat down with Eva Murciano, Director General Human Resources, at the European Central Bank.Leading in a politically exposed environment, Eva manages immense complexity while staying grounded, transparent, and deeply human.This is a masterclass in inclusive and powerful leadership, the kind that builds trust, not noise.In this episode, we explore:How Eva navigates ambiguity through scenario planning and openness, inviting others into the challenge of not having all the answers.The balance between calm and pace, and how she toggles between crisis response and long-term decision-making for maximum impact.The mindsets and practices that help her stay composed, reflective and continuously learning.I loved this conversation, and I know you’ll take a lot from it. Let's dive in.

In this episode, we go deep into the inner work that helps us learn from challenging moments, overcome self-doubt, and build a lasting foundation of confidence.It’s a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to grow through life’s transitions and to thrive in high-stakes moments.This episode is for you if:You’re navigating a transition or challenge and want to build the confidence to thrive in what comes next.Your work involves high-pressure situations and you’re looking for inspiration on how to handle them with steadiness and presence.You’ve struggled with self-belief despite outward success.You’re simply curious about the inner work that transforms self-doubt into genuine confidence.Sandie shares:Her personal journey with inner work, and how doing hard things has shaped her confidence.The voices in our heads and the stories we tell ourselves, a recurring theme on Monday Muse, and how they shape our sense of self.How to blend confidence and humility when the stakes are high.The rituals and practices that have helped her build strong inner foundations.I loved this conversation - let’s dive in.

Today I’m joined by Ali Bebo, Chief People Officer at Pearson, the global learning company focused on unlocking potential.This episode is for you if you’re:Driven by purpose and want your work to have meaningful impactFacing complex challenges and need to bring your team with youAli and I explore:How to find the intersection of identity and career — the sweet spot for a meaningful work lifeThe kinds of conversations that help teams reimagine what’s possible and surprise themselvesA shift away from relentless output toward a framing for impact that’s deeper and more sustainableIf you’re listening on a Monday, let this set the tone for an impactful week. If you’re mid-week, treat it as a reset, a chance to re-energise, and lead your team through the work that matters most.I know how much you will get from this episode, so let’s dive straight in.

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Pam Parkes, who I’ve collaborated with on the Future of Work for many years. Pam has built a remarkable career in local government, and what makes her story compelling is how deeply her work aligns with her purpose: social justice. She lives and works with an extraordinary sense of alignment to her purpose, but always with humility, pragmatism and zero sanctimony.In our conversation, we explore:A life and career anchored in purpose — how Pam has woven her commitment to social justice through everything she does, both inside and outside of work.The vital and often unseen services of the public sector, and Pam’s insider perspective on:Delivering impact in challenging environments that can sometimes conflict with your purpose.The mindset and resilience needed to stay true to yourself when facing ethical dilemmas.Pam brings a wealth of experience — from Croydon Council, to President of the Public Services People Managers Association, to her current roles including the Envoy for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. If you're focused on delivering greater impact or navigating complex systems, this is a rich and thoughtful conversation for you.

Today I’m delighted to be joined by Alister Gray — an extraordinary coach, facilitator, guide, and founder of the brilliant organisation Mindful Talent. I’ve been lucky enough to experience Alister’s work first-hand, and I can attest to just how truly transformational it is.Our conversation today is about one of our most precious resources: time. It’s an invitation to step away from hustle culture and rethink how you relate to time so you can live and work with more ease, purpose and impact.We explore:Building a healthier relationship with time — one that lets you take on big, stretching ambitions across a long working life, while living in the moment with ease.Alister shares the mindsets and practices that he helps CEOs, startup founders and tech leaders in some of the fastest-paced roles out there, to slow down and ground themselves in the present moment.He shares how shifting your relationship with time can increase fulfilment and unlock a higher level of capability and potential.If you’ve ever felt time-starved, rushed, or stuck in hustle mode, this episode will inspire you to slow down and approach your work, and life, with far more clarity and power.

What does it take to stay grounded and fully human when the stakes couldn’t be higher? My guest today, Juani Echeverria, Chief People Officer at Santander UK, knows this world well. He’s spent his career leading at the sharpest edge of business — where complex decisions, pressure, and impact collide.In our conversation we explore:Leading under pressure while staying deeply human — what Juan has learned from operating in high-stakes environments.The inner work and self-awareness that help him stay steady when the pressure rises.How to stay connected to purpose, resilience and courage when decisions feel daunting and the outcomes really matter.If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive in demanding, high-pressure situations without losing yourself, this episode is for you.

Through my work I’ve been fortunate to meet some extraordinary thinkers, and Annmarie Neal is right at the top of that list. She’s the Chief People Officer at Zendesk, a retired Partner at Hellman & Friedman, and the author of Leading from the Edge. In this episode, we explore how to bring psychologicalinsight and strategic precision together to create real, undeniable value in your career and your life. Annmarie shares:The mindsets, rituals, and behaviours that have kept her laser-focused on what matters most, both at work at in her life.How to work with — and even reshape — the voices in your head, turning them from potential critics into powerful allies.What it really takes to navigate big career decisions with confidence and clarity.If you’re looking to think more strategically about yourcareer and find greater focus in the noise, this conversation will leave you energised and ready to act.

Today I’m joined by someone who truly needs no introduction: Professor Lynda Gratton, globally recognised psychologist, Professor at London Business School, founder of the Future of Work Advisory Group HSM, and one ofthe world’s most influential thinkers on the future of work. She’s advised prime ministers, chaired sessions at the World Economic Forum, and written best-selling books including The 100-Year Life. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Lynda for more than a decade, and I can’t wait to share thisconversation with you. In this episode, we dive deep into:-  How to build mastery, with fresh insights from Lynda’s book that’s coming out in 2026 -  Knowing yourself — why self-awareness isessential to building true mastery. -    Practical ways to master your craft over a longand evolving career, as Lynda reflects on her own extraordinary journey,  from academia, to in-house psychologist at British Airways, to advising global organisations.I know you’re going to really enjoy this one, so let’s getinto it.