We Are Human Leaders

In the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, we explore a topic that's inescapable right now: disruption.In this dense-with-wisdom conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner sit down with Terence Mauri, a global authority on leadership and disruption. They explore the concept of disruption, emphasizing its role in learning and growth rather than just technology. Terence introduces the DARE framework, which stands for Data, Agility, Risk, and Evolution, as a guide for leaders to navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The discussion highlights the importance of human connection, the risks of over-reliance on technology, and the need for leaders to foster a culture of curiosity and adaptability. Terence also shares some brilliant, actionable insights for leaders to embrace a radically human approach to disruption and organizational change.You'll learn:Disruption is not just a technology story; it's a learning journey.The half-life of skills is decreasing, necessitating continuous learning.Organizations are often trapped in bureaucracy, hindering productivity.Leaders must embrace a mindset of agility and evolution.The DARE framework helps leaders navigate change effectively.Human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.Future readiness requires a balance between present and future focus.Disruption can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.Leaders should prioritize well-being to enhance productivity.Starting before you're ready can lead to meaningful change.Key Chapters00:00 Defining Disruption: A New Perspective06:08 The Half-Life of Skills and Complacency09:12 Risk vs. Opportunity: Embracing Uncertainty12:01 The Radically Human Approach to Disruption14:57 The DARE Framework: A Roadmap for Leaders17:51 Future Readiness: Balancing Today and Tomorrow21:00 Organizational Rewilding: Embracing Human Values23:56 Practical Steps for Leaders: Start Before You're ReadyLearn more about Terence's work and We Are Human Leaders at our show notes https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/befriending-uncertainty-with-terence-mauri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Tracey Spicer shares with Alexis and Sally how organisations can gain a competitive advantage in a challenging labour market through ethical AI. And how to use AI to create Protopia.For more, check out the full conversation Built In Bias: The Potential And Perils Of AI For Leaders And Workplaces with Tracey Spicer.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Busyness is killing productivity and harming workplace culture. Here's how to counter it for amazing results at individual, team and organizational levels.In this conversation, author and expert Megan Reitz discusses the dangers of busyness in modern leadership and the importance of spacious thinking and mindfulness. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster spaciousness, allowing for better decision-making, creativity, and well-being. The discussion covers practical steps to integrate spacious thinking into daily routines and highlights the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.What this episode covers:How Busyness can lead to mental and physical health issues.Why spacious thinking allows for creativity and insight.The fact that mindfulness is often misunderstood in corporate settings.Why creating safety in the workplace is essential for spaciousness.How attention can be trained and should not be left to chance.Taking small pauses in the day can help create spaciousness.Why conflict can lead to new perspectives and insights.The ways the physical environment impacts our thinking and creativity.Why leaders must adapt to the pace of technology by embracing spaciousness.How mindfulness is a practice that requires ongoing effort.Chapters00:00 The Dangers of Busyness07:50 Understanding Mindfulness in the Workplace14:06 The Irony of Productivity and Spaciousness16:29 Exploring Spacious Thinking21:01 The Power of Spaciousness29:19 Creating Space in Leadership37:17 The Future of Work and Spacious Thinking41:29 Practical Steps to Invite SpaciousnessLearn more about Professor Megan Reitz, including where to connect with her, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/escaping-busyness-trap-megan-reitzAs Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Amy Finlay-Jones shares with us how Self-Compassion can help us become a more effective leader, and how we can use this to connect with our team.For more, check out the full conversation with Amy right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/self-compassion-amy-finlay-jonesFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insight-packed conversation, Stephan Meier discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to the future of work, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He outlines the benefits of an employee-first workplace, including increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Stephan also highlights the shift in perspective where employees are seen as customers, advocating for organizations to apply customer-centric strategies to enhance employee experiences. Real-world examples, such as H.E.B. and Costco, illustrate the success of employee-centric practices. The discussion touches on the concept of quiet quitting and the need for leaders to actively listen to their employees to drive engagement. Finally, Stephan shares strategies for humanizing work and motivating employees through personalized experiences and continuous learning.What you'll learnThe future of work must be human-centric.Technology should augment human capabilities, not replace them.An employee-first workplace increases productivity and innovation.Employees are the new customers, deserving of attention and care.Real-world examples show the success of employee-centric organizations.Quiet quitting has been a long-standing issue, not just a pandemic phenomenon.Listening to employees is crucial for engagement and improvement.Removing bureaucratic barriers can enhance employee experience.Personalized experiences can motivate employees and reduce turnover.Investing in employee experience is essential for long-term success.Stephan Meier is one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of behavioral economics, corporate strategy and future of work. He is currently the James P. Gorman Professor of Business Strategy and the Chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He is the author of “THE EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive”. He is an award-winning teacher at Columbia, and every year hundreds of students learn from him about the “human side” of strategy in Columbia’s MBA and executive education programs.To learn more about Stephan Meier and We Are Human Leaders visit www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/employee-experience-stephan-meier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Martin Gutmann shares with us How History's Unseen Leaders Light the Way and the hero’s journey narrative that pervades how we think about leadership.For more, check out the full conversation with Martin here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/the-unseen-leader-martin-gutmannFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Workplace relationships are a natural part of being human. Neither good or bad, they’re inevitable.In the wake of the Coldplay Jumbotron scandal, workplace relationships — especially cheating and affairs — have been thrust into the spotlight. And everyone seems to have their own opinion on them, so we decided to ask a relationship psychologist for some advice.In this conversation, relationship psychologist Rachel Voysey discusses the complexities of romantic relationships and friendships in the workplace. The discussion covers the inevitability of workplace relationships, the challenges of infidelity, and the importance of communication and empathy in navigating these dynamics. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to approach these situations with compassion and understanding, recognizing the human element involved in workplace relationships.This is one of the most personal, open-hearted and revealing episodes we've ever done on the podcast. You won't want to miss it.What you’ll learn:Why workplace relationships occur, and how we can manage them personally and professionally.Why infidelity in the workplace occurs, often stemming from emotional needs rather than just desire.How transparency and honesty are crucial in navigating workplace relationships.Tips for Leaders should to approach relationship issues with compassion and understanding.How to navigate friendship breakdowns from misunderstandings and lack of communication.Proactive communication tips to prevent toxic dynamics in workplace relationships.How to maintain boundaries in workplace relationships to avoid discomfort.If you'd like to learn more about Rachel Voysey, or Human Leaders find our show notes here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/romance-cheating-bffs-relationships-rachel-voysey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Amy Gallo shares with us her top tips for dealing with Passive Aggressive people, and what is really driving this behaviour.For more, check out the full conversation with Amy at the link here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/working-with-difficult-people-amy-galloFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How we work today, isn’t how we’ll work tomorrow. Here’s what a world-leading Work Futurist told us about AI and the future of work.In this conversation, We Are Human Leaders hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the profound changes in work culture brought about by the pandemic, the resurgence of old management practices, and the need for flexibility and trust in the future of work with Atlassian's Work Futurist Dom Price.We explore the role of AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a weapon, emphasizing the importance of redesigning organizational systems to accommodate new technologies. Dom also highlights the agency of middle managers in driving change and the significance of sustainable, incremental improvements over dramatic transformations.In this conversation, Dom shares his thoughts around the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the importance of co-designing sustainable partnerships, redefining productivity, and focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We discuss the need for trust in low-trust environments (and how to build it), the courage to seek feedback, and essential leadership skills for the future. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business and the necessity for a complete overhaul of education to keep pace with societal changes.What the episode covers:The pandemic acted as a catalyst for change in work practices, and how old management behaviour's are resurfacing post-pandemic.Flexibility and trust are essential in the future of work.AI is often viewed as a weapon rather than a tool, how organizations need to redesign systems to accommodate AI.Sustainable change comes from small, incremental steps, how to focus on continuous improvement rather than dramatic transformations.Redefining productivity to focus on outcomes.Leaders must balance process with genuine care for people and how storytelling helps them connect to people.The future of work will be significantly different due to AI, but rediscovering humanity in the workplace is essential. Businesses should focus on solving customer problems, not just profit.Learn more about Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price, including where to connect with him right here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/ai-future-of-work-atlassian-dom-priceAs Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith shares with us the seven key types of rest we all need, and how rest is distinctly different from sleep.For more, check out the full conversation with Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/resttosuccessFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More often than not, the people we lead aren’t like us. Whether by gender, race, culture, or generation, the workplace is a melting pot of difference and leading people who aren’t like you is critical to success. So how do we do it? Enter Ally Leadership. A step away from performative and outdated leadership, and a stem into truly understanding, and getting the most from the brilliant human you lead.In today’s conversation we speak to Stephanie Chung, a pioneering woman of color in the aviation sector. As an aviation trailblazer, Stephanie has 35 years of aviation experience, from a baggage handler to being the first African-American private aviation company president. And she’s now a #1 International Best Selling author with her new book, and the topic of our conversion today: Ally Leadership, How To Lead People Who Are Not Like You.This conversation is practical, insightful and jam-packed with Stephanie’s personal career wisdom–from highlights to trials and tribulations. Now more than ever the world needs leaders who’re ready to listen-up and learn, leaders like you.Learn more about Stephanie Chung, including where to get her book at our shownotes page: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/allied-lead-people-different-from-you-stephanie-chung Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Heather Younger shares with us her definition of active listening and the 5 aspects of how to be an amazing active listener.For more, check out the full conversation with Heather right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/activelisteningFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaders face unpreceded rates if change, volatility and uncertainty right now. Here’s the six skills they need to meet these challenges and succeed.In this episode, Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the pressing challenges leaders face in today's volatile environment, focusing on technological disruption, geopolitical tensions and navigating the complexities of modern work environments, and the six critical skills leaders need to adopt to handle these uncertain times. Right now leaders have their work cut out for them, but we're here to help.In this episode Alexis and Sally emphasize the necessity for leaders to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptability while addressing the evolving expectations of the workforce. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication, strategic visioning, EQ, empathy and purpose-driven leadership, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation highlights how these skills can enhance team outcomes, build trust, and create a psychologically safe workplace. They offer specific and practical advice on how to integrate the skills in a practical everyday way so leaders understand how and where they can make change.To learn more, or to get support from Human Leaders to upskill your leadership visit us at our show notes: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/leadership-challenges-2025-alexis-zahner-sally-clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Sarah Langslow shares with us how powerful our micro-interactions can be to building positive and connected relationships in the workplace, and beyond.For more, check out the full conversation with Sarah Langslow right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/do-sweat-small-stuff-sarah-langslow For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this transformative episode of We Are Human Leaders, we sat down in Sydney with Wendy Smith—renowned expert on paradox and co-author of Both/And Thinking—to explore how shifting from either/or decision-making to both/and thinking can unlock deeper clarity, resilience, and creativity in leadership and life.Wendy walks us through the concept of paradox: the ongoing, often uncomfortable tensions between seemingly opposing forces (such as stability and change, profit and purpose, or control and flexibility). She shares how these tensions aren't problems to be solved, but dynamics to be navigated, and how ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and business innovation all point to the transformative power of holding space for complexity.In this conversation, hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke asked Wendy to unpack:The difference between tensions, dilemmas, and paradoxesWhy binary thinking is limiting—and often harmfulHow leaders and teams can cultivate a paradox mindsetPractical strategies like the ABCD framework for both/and navigationReal-world case studies from IBM, Unilever, and PatagoniaThe link between paradox thinking and ancient Eastern and Indigenous philosophiesThis is a conversation that challenges your assumptions and offers tools to lead with greater compassion, nuance, and confidence, especially in times of uncertainty.Ready to reframe your next challenge not as a dilemma—but as an opportunity? Tune in now, and access the show notes at: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/paradox-thinking-wendy-smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Morra Aarons Mele shares with us How to Turn Your Anxiety into a Superpower.For more, check out the full conversation with Morra right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/rethinkinganxietyFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this incredible episode we’re discussing The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio. We admire Zach’s work, so much so he’s officially our first repeat guest on We Are Human Leaders! His poignant new book The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance is arguably one of the most needed in the world right now!In this conversation Zach shares with us the damning data on the state of work–despite the billions of dollars of investment made in employee engagement, retention, wellbeing, belonging, you name it–we’re more disengaged and unhappy than ever before. Why? Well because despite it all, we still don’t feel like we truly matter. And this is an innate human need that can’t be overlooked.Zach shares that “honing the skills to create a culture of significance is at the heart of revitalizing the health of our workplaces and workers.” We couldn’t agree more. Mattering is much more than a means to create productivity and engagement at work. It’s a way of making sure everyone knows that they are innately needed, unique and what they do matters to others. Mattering is a fundamental human needs for all of us, and for that reason alone should be motivation to prioritise it.Learn more about Zach Mercurio, and find his latest book here:Find Zach Mercurio on LinkedIn.Get your copy of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance from Harvard Business Review Press here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Todd Kashdan shares with us the difference between productive and destructive disagreement, and how the labels we place on ourselves can stop us from truly understanding the perspectives of others.For more, check out the full conversation with Todd Kashdan right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/dissent-and-defy-todd-kashdanFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout is a red hot topic right now and for good reason.The State of Workplace Burnout Report 2025 shows that 35% of us globally are experiencing burnout. In this episode my usual co-host Sally Clarke dons her researcher’s hat alongside Dr. John Chan as Co-Authors of the State of Workplace Burnout Report 2025. We discuss their very important research from the report. Now in its fifth year, it shines a very bright light on how outdated productivity metrics and expectations are keeping us stuck in burnout with lower productivity.In this conversation, I've asked Sally and John the hard questions:What impact does burnout have on our productivity?What are we getting so wrong about productivity and burnout?Despite the billions of dollars invested globally in wellbeing and burnout, these still such pervasive issues. Sally and John offer a comprehensive evidence backed set of answers to these questions, and they offer critical advice for leaders listening to fundamentally shift how we work to overcome them.SPOILER ALERT: Solving burnout is well within your control as a leader. This conversation is insightful and practical and exactly what all leaders need to hear right now. Learn more, and find links to the report at www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/burnout-productivity-john-chan-sally-clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Garry Ridge shares with us the WD40 secret in achieving a 98% employee engagement rate, and how coaching your employees can radically shift how they view their job.For more, check out the full conversation with Garry Ridge right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/humancentredleaderFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.