Teams, Culture & You: The Psychology Behind Growth

Josephine Palermo speaks with Jordan Peace, co-founder and CEO of Fringe, about the innovative employee experience platform that aims to enhance workplace benefits. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and Jordan's upcoming book, 'Stop,' which encourages readers to take intentional breaks in a fast-paced world. Jordan also shares his personal journey with ADHD and how it has shaped his leadership style.    Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:21 The Birth of Fringe: A New Approach to Employee Benefits 06:47 Value Proposition for Employers: Retention and Recruitment 10:00 Navigating Challenges: The Secret to Success 13:49 The Importance of Stopping: Insights from Jordan's Book 19:04 Embracing ADHD: A Shift in Perspective 23:47 Conclusion and Future Plans Contact Jordanwww.fringe.ushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-peace-fringeContact Josephine www.josephinepalermo.com.au Share your views with us at josephine@gearedforgrowth.biz

In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Josephine Palermo and Angelique Zammit explore the evolving role of HR professionals in modern organizations.They discuss the shift from traditional HR functions to strategic business partners, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, leadership influence, andthe integration of AI in workforce planning. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by HR in navigating organizational changeand fostering a culture of innovation and inclusionShare your views with us at josephine@gearedforgrowth.biz Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18BTBLfckRwwraLZMvbpNj-MjHHy-cSH&si=pXJAR_mmTGGEcO2q

"We need a new hamster wheel for 2026."  Dive into '2025 Unplugged: A Candid Look at the Year That Was' for an insightful reflection on the year's pivotal moments, societal changes, and personal stories that shaped our world. Iain and I reflect on significant global events, the impact of place and community, and the role of technology in shaping society.  We discuss personal growth, professional identity, and the importance of critical thinking in today's world. We look bacl on our favourite podcast moments and guests, emphasising the need for advocacy and understanding in a rapidly changing environment.  Chapters 00:00 Reflections on a Year of Change 05:10 The Impact of Place and Tragedy 10:43 Navigating a Complex Global Landscape 16:06 Personal Highlights and Collaborations 21:31 Technology, AI, and the Future of Work 31:15 The Impact of Technology on Identity and Vulnerability 33:05 Advocacy for Digital Safety and Regulation 34:58Personal Growth and the Third Act 36:31 Decolonization and Community Engagement 38:42 Upcoming Book Launch and Community Involvement 40:27 Exploring Literature and Audiobooks 41:29 Television and Cultural Reflections 51:26 The Beatles and Cultural Impact 56:59 Reflections on Meaningful Conversations and Future Endeavors  Share your views with us at josephine@gearedforgrowth.biz Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18BTBLfckRwwraLZMvbpNj-MjHHy-cSH&si=pXJAR_mmTGGEcO2q

Miriam Castilla, is an ex-engineer and finance professional turned business mentor and course creator, committed to helping online coaches and service providers create more freedom and ease in their business.     Miriam is the founder of Magnetic Money. She is an international speaker, bestselling author and award-winning business owner. She’s also a former finance professional and certified hypnotherapist.In this engaging conversation, Miriam Castilla shares her unexpected journey from a corporate career in engineering to becoming a financial coach and hypnotherapist.  She discusses the importance of mindset in managing money, the impact of personal experiences like divorce on identity, and how her unique approach combines practical financial advice with mindset transformation.  Miriam also explores the concept of money archetypes, the role of hypnotherapy in changing limiting beliefs, and the influence of social media on our understanding of success and self-worth. Chapters  00:00 Miriam's Unexpected Journey  04:12 Reinventing Identity After Divorce  07:46 Marrying the Magical with the Practical  13:18 The Gendered Experience of Money Mindset  15:24 Understanding Money Archetypes  19:34 The Roots of Money Habits  21:11 Transforming Unconscious Beliefs  24:18 The Nature of Hypnosis  27:08 The Impact of Social Media on Money Mindset  31:37 Finding Purpose Beyond Wealth Contact Miriam and do her quiz https://miriamcastilla.com/quiz/ Contact Josephine www.josephinepalermo.com.au 

Karen Holliday, a former Chief Operating Officer shares her extensive experience in operational excellence and the print and mail industry. Karen discusses the importance of people in Operations, her journey overcoming barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her passion for mentoring and empowering others, especially women. She emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership and the need to build trust and culture within organizations. The conversation highlights key messages for effective leadership and the value of connection capital.  Karen Holliday is a transformational leader, faith-based business consultant, and inspirational speaker whose mission is to help others rise above adversity with courage, authenticity, and strategy.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:44 Operational Excellence in Print and Mail Industry 04:57 The Importance of People in Operations 07:24 Connection Capital and Its Impact 10:17 Overcoming Barriers and Mentorship 12:42 Empowering Women in Leadership 15:17 Authenticity in Leadership 17:58 Navigating Challenges as a Woman Leader 20:25 Building Trust and Culture in Organizations 23:04 Key Messages for Women in Leadership Contact Karen linkedin.com/in/karen-holliday https://nyakconsulting.com/  See her TED talk here https://youtu.be/MPQhdgt-dZw?si=rKKe7L7DpuvYTOoe  Contact Josephine www.josephinepalermo.com.au 

 In this engaging conversation, Noel Massieshares his extensive leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of integrity, mentorship, and investing in people. He reflects on his time at UPS, the values that shaped his leadership style, and the challenges faced by newlypromoted leaders. Through anecdotes and practical advice, Noel highlights the significance of listening, establishing clear expectations, and fostering an inclusive environment to drive success in teams. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the importance of mentorship, and the values that drive successful leadership. Noel sharesinsights from his book, "Congrats You've Been Promoted," offering practical advice for new leaders navigating their roles. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom and actionable strategies for personal and professional growth. Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Background 01:11 Career Milestones and Leadership Philosophy 03:47 Influence of Family and Early Role Models 07:31 UPS: A Value-Based Organization 11:43 The Importance of Employee Inclusion 13:38 Leadership Trajectory and Evaluation 18:03 Navigating Tough Decisions and Conflict Resolution 22:31 The Impetus for Writing a Book 23:47 Leadership on the Front Line 26:59 Building Confidence in New Leaders 28:14 Establishing Terms and Conditions 33:16 Navigating Organizational Politics 38:09 Investing in People for Success Contact Noel at https://noelmassie.com/ Contact Josephine at https://gearedforgrowth.biz/

In this episode, Iain and Josephine explore the dynamic political landscapes of the United States and Australia, highlighting the stark contrasts and shared challenges they face. As the US navigates a complex political climate, Australia offers a model of stability with its strong democratic institutions. Yet, in an era where expressing our points of view is crucial, we question whether platforms like LinkedIn can truly support open dialogue. Join us as we discuss the importance of having a voice in today's world and the role of professional networks in fostering meaningful conversations. Chapters 00:00 Reflections on Travel and History 01:38 The Weight of History and Modern Geopolitics 04:00 Contrasting Political Landscapes: Australia vs. the US 05:18 Pride and Human Rights in Europe 06:40 Corporate Responsibility and Social Media 08:41 The Future of Education and Government Interference 10:50 Critical Thinking in Higher Education 13:17 Navigating Professional Spaces and Speaking Up 15:46 Finding Common Ground in Complex Issues 17:57 Call to Action and Future Conversations Watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18BTBLfckRwwraLZMvbpNj-MjHHy-cSH  Share your views with us at josephine@gearedforgrowth.biz 

Can your people scale as fast as your product? Spoiler: they can’t - and they’re not meant to. In this powerful episode, Josephine Palermo speaks with Nahed Khairallah, a global HR strategist who has helped rocket startups from 7-figure beginnings to 9-figure enterprises across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Nahed unpacks the uncomfortable truth: people don’t scale -systems do. And if you want to grow fast without breaking your culture, you need a jet-fueled HR strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:12 The Journey into HR and Scaling08:43 Understanding Business and People Dynamics13:20 Defining ROI in HR Strategies18:02 Identifying the Right People for Success22:30 Balancing People and Technology in Business23:19 Balancing Human Skills and AI24:52 AI in Recruitment: Enhancing Efficiency26:46 Navigating the Risks of Automation29:40 Key Recommendations for Founders38:44 The Importance of Culture in ScalingConnect with NahedLinked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahedOrganized Chaos Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizedchaos-podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahed https://organizedchaos.fyiConnect with Josephinewww.josephinepalermo.com.au

Katie Tamblin, author of The Lean-Agile Dilemma, began her career as an entry-level analyst and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Product Officer. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for data and tech businesses and advises private equity firms. With over 20 years of experience, Katie helps readers recognise the unique challenges of working within "chubby corporates" and provides strategies to navigate and succeed in these environments.  In this conversation, Katie Tamblin shares her journey from an analyst to a Chief Product Officer, discussing the complexities of product management within large organisations. She emphasises the importance of project management, the challenges of re-platforming, and the need for alignment between vision and execution. Katie also explores the differences between lean startups and chunky corporates, advocating for a tailored approach to agile methodologies in larger organisations. The discussion highlights the significance of data, cross-team collaboration, and the role of curiosity in driving successful change management.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Background of Katie Tamblin  02:24 Transition from Analyst to Chief Product Officer 05:16 Challenges in Agile Transformation  08:05 The Concept of Replatforming in Corporates  10:42 The Lean Agile Dilemma: Writing the Book  13:34 Differences Between Startups and Chunky Corporates  16:19 Understanding Innovation vs. Execution in Corporates 23:13 The Agile Dilemma: Scaling Challenges  25:02 Knitting Teams Together: Collaboration Strategies  25:27 Replatforming: Aligning Goals and Methodologies  27:59 Data First: The Key to Successful Replatforming  30:57 The Role of Boundary Spanners in Corporates  35:05 Vision and Alignment: Keys to Successful Projects  40:48 Avoiding Performance Plateaus: The Importance of Alignment  Contact Katie Tamblin: https://www.katietamblin.com/ Buy the book:https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/979-8-8688-0321-5 

In this engaging conversation, Josephine Palermo speaks with Dawn Mahan, PMP, about her journey into project management, the challenges faced in the field, and the importance of leadership and team dynamics. Dawn shares insights from her book, 'Projectland,' where she introduces the concept of using animal avatars to represent different roles in project management. The discussion emphasises the need for emotional management, the significance of setting projects up for success, and the evolving nature of project management in today's fast-paced environment.Dawn Mahan, PMP, has trained thousands of professionals around the world. As the founder of PMOtraining.com, she’s a go-to advisor for C-level leaders and project managers across industries.  Read her book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D4J4KHYCChapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:56 Dawn's Career Journey and Project Management Discovery09:21 Defining Project Management and Its Challenges11:09 The Importance of People in Project Success14:48 Exploring Project Land: A New Paradigm18:36 The Dream Team: Animal Avatars in Project Management22:01 The Gazelle Metaphor in Project Management23:32 Dolphins: The Social Creatures of Project Teams26:02 The Lion Avatar: Leadership and Authority27:48 The Partnership Between Leaders and Project Managers29:48 Team Dynamics: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing31:12 The Importance of Kickoff Meetings33:18 Managing Project Endings and Emotions33:57 Navigating Challenges in Project Leadership36:51 The Role of Project Managers as Team Leaders40:12 Setting Projects Up for Success#projectmanagement #projectland #dawnmahan #gearedforgrowth.biz #teamscultureyou #businessgrowth #businessgrowthstrategy #smallbusinesstips #startuplife #workwell #wellbeingatwork #6teamconditions #teams #areyouaneffectiveteam #workingwell #feelsatwork #workliveplaywell #feelsatwork #postivemindset #positivepsychology #mindsetshift #mindset

Quinn Li O'Shea shares her journey from being a product manager in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a founder of her own software company, Braid. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and how she navigated her career path. Quinn emphasizes the significance of networking and collaboration, the ideation process behind Braid, and her leadership style that focuses on people-first management. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of incorporating play into work culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.Try Braid for your self! Receive a special offer for Culture, Teams & You listeners! Use the code https://trybraid.io/?via=josephineUse the code JOSEPHINE for 15% OFF on all payments within the first 12 monthsChapters00:00 Introduction and Career Pathways03:47 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry06:40 Transitioning to Foundership09:26 The Ideation Process for Braid12:41 Building Connections Through Play15:39 Leadership Style and Team Dynamics18:44 The Rise of Play in the Workplace21:39 Conclusion and Future Directions

Jamie Kritharas shares his unique journey from being a DJ to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the rapid growth of his business, the importance of tracking and monitoring, and the strategies he employs for recruitment and managing a remote team. Jamie emphasizes the significance of building credibility through case studies and testimonials, as well as the dynamics of working with family in a business setting. He also shares personal productivity hacks and his exciting plans for the future. Chapters 00:00 From DJ to Entrepreneur: A Unique Journey 02:43 Rapid Growth and Revenue Insights 05:26 The Importance of Tracking and Monitoring 08:36 Building Credibility Through Testimonials 11:23 Recruitment Strategies for Success 14:16 Managing a Remote Team Effectively 17:06 Creating a Positive Remote Culture 19:56 Family Dynamics in Business 22:53 Personal Hacks for Productivity 25:40 Future Plans and Creative Ventures  Contact Jamie: https://defiantdigital.com.au/ ✅ Linkedin profile ✅ On Instagram  Contact Josephine https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact-us/ 

In this conversation, Rupal Patel discusses her journey from the CIA to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's personal mission, navigating identity, and the challenges of leadership. She shares insights on burnout, the significance of self-awareness, and the process of writing her book. Rupal also explores the essence of good leadership, the concept of power, and practical techniques like after-action reviews to foster growth and learning. The discussion culminates in her three ideals: envisioning an ideal day, legacy, and bridging the gap between the two.Check out Rupal's International Best-seller "From CIA to CEO"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mission Exploration01:37 Early Life and Background Influences04:33 Navigating Identity and Hypervigilance07:29 Career Path: From CIA to CEO10:01 Transitioning and Burnout Awareness13:04 Pursuing an MBA and Self-Discovery15:51 The Importance of Listening to Your Body18:43 Starting a Business and Creative Ventures21:39 The Journey of Writing a Book24:33 Support Systems in the Writing Process27:39 Understanding the Audience for Leadership Lessons29:53 The Essence of Effective Leadership33:47 The Importance of Autonomy in Leadership37:07 Power and Authenticity in Leadership45:48 Reflecting on Actions: The After Action Review48:43 Defining Your Ideals for a Meaningful Life

"Time is the enemy of empathy."  In this conversation, Michael Reddington takes everything he learned about being a Forensic Interviewer and applies it to leadership and negotiation contexts. He emphasizes the need for creating conditions that encourage honesty and vulnerability while also addressing common listening mistakes.   Michael contrasts active listening with his disciplined listening method, highlighting the significance of situational awareness and the need to give up control in conversations to foster better communication. The discussion also touches on the role of vulnerability in leadership and the importance of emotional regulation to influence better in even difficult situations.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Background of Michael Reddington 04:59 Common Listening Mistakes 09:51 Active Listening vs. Disciplined Listening Method 14:45 Creating Conditions for Honest Communication 19:48 The Role of Vulnerability in Communication 24:28 Understanding Situational Awareness in Communication 27:41 The Impact of Time on Empathy 29:30 Strategies for Slowing Down Conversations 32:52 The Illusion of Control in Conversations 38:05 Looking Ahead: The Companion Book and Future Insights Contact Micheal LinkedIn: Michael Reddington, CFI | LinkedInContact Josephine https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact-us/

"I had no idea that I had an ADHD brain." In this episode of Culture, Teams & You, I speak to Julie Cockerill, founder of Lemon Co. on the importance of understanding neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, and its implications in the workplace. Julie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how it has shaped her mission to create inclusive, brain-friendly environments where everyone can thrive Julie Cockerill is a leadership coach and consultant dedicated to helping leaders and organisations thrive without compromise. With over 30 years of experience across Asia Pacific, the UK, and Europe, working with global brands like Equifax, Booz & Co, and Starwood Group, she has led teams, cultures, and results.  Her approach is grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, and strengths-based leadership, with a deep commitment to creating neuro-inclusive workplaces. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2020, she is passionate about reshaping leadership to unlock potential, foster resilience, and drive success without burnout. 

"Let's go back to the basics of respect and fairness."  In this episode I sit down with the incredible Pam Macalvane—bestselling author, DEI expert, and entrepreneur—to explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Pam shares insights from her upcoming book, The Skinny on Inclusion, and reflects on her journey from a young leader with a mission to serve, to a powerhouse driving systemic change in corporate spaces.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Background  02:55 The Journey of Service and Impact  06:12 Creating the Inclusive Leadership Index  10:02 Shifts in Diversity and Inclusion Practices  13:13 The Importance of Communication in Inclusion  17:59 Engaging White Men in Diversity Efforts  21:58 Skillful Disruption and Compassionate Leadership  28:04 Optimism and the Future of Inclusion 🔗 Resources & Links: Pam Macalvane’s book The Skinny on DEI Recruiting [Available on Amazon] Follow Pam for more DEI insights https://pamelaamcelvane.com/the-skiny... Connect with Dr. Josephine Palermo https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact-us/ Let’s keep the conversation going! What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media www.linktr.ee/gearedforgrowth

Josephine and Donald Barclay delve into the pressing issue of disinformation, exploring its evolution, the complexities of information credibility, and the cognitive biases that affect how we process information. They discuss the importance of critical thinking, the challenges posed by wicked problems, and the role of dialogue in understanding complex issues. The conversation also touches on the state of scientific communication, the impact of entertainment on discourse, and the future of libraries in the digital age, ultimately conveying a message of optimism in navigating the challenges of disinformation.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Disinformation and Its Importance  03:29 The Evolution of Information Literacy  06:24 Understanding Disinformation in the Digital Age  09:01 Cognitive Biases and Information Processing  11:57 The Complexity of Truth in Information  14:11 Wicked Problems and Information Challenges  16:52 The Role of Entertainment in Information Consumption  19:48 The Influence of Money on Information Credibility  25:25 The Triangle of Influence: Money, Fame, and Power  27:01 Understanding Science: The Impact of Predatory Journals  32:32 Navigating Misinformation: The Role of Scientific Consensus  36:33 The Importance of Systematic Reviews in Science  40:24 Critical Thinking: Analyzing Information Consumption  45:00 Optimism in Change: Adapting to a New World 

"You don't need a dream."   In this episode, I reflect with Dr Iain Butterworth on the year that’s been, diving into the constructs of time, the importance of relationships, and our shared pursuit of meaning in life. We explore the challenges of professional life, the value of social equity and healthcare, and the transformative power of travel.  We also take time to recap some of the standout conversations held on the podcast throughout 2024, highlighting key themes and insights that have resonated with us and our listeners, including taking “the unexpected route”.  Iain and I unpack the complexities of social media, the influence of tech giants, and the critical role historical knowledge plays in shaping our understanding of the present. We discuss how to navigate disinformation, the media’s impact on society, and the opportunities to create dialogue around technology and diversity. Together, we emphasise the importance of meaningful conversations and authentic relationships.  We round out the conversation by reflecting on the healing power of music, the significance of positive intention in performance, and my personal experiences, including the decision to step away from social media.      Chapters   00:00 Reflections on the Year and Time's Construct  03:03 The Importance of Relationships and Meaningful Conversations  05:59 Navigating Professional Life and Career Paths  09:02 Social Equity and the Value of Healthcare  12:06 Exploring Personal Growth and Travel Experiences  15:03 The Impact of Colonization and Nature Therapy  18:12 The Role of Social Media in Modern Connections  29:52 Navigating Social Media Discourse  32:24 The Influence of Tech Giants on Society  34:51 Creating Dialogue in Technology and Diversity  36:58 The Impact of Leaving Social Media  38:40 The Role of Media in Society  39:43 Understanding Disinformation  41:57 The Importance of Historical Knowledge  43:32 Exploring Positive Intention in Performance  49:14 The Healing Power of Music  Seekers: On the Other Side https://open.spotify.com/track/3Qiu5gBFgGtIt3DWUFWko6?si=7c8f5adb277741d4

Josephine speaks with Emmy Award-winning children’s entertainment executive, author, and researcher Dr. Toper Taylor. We dive into his groundbreaking PhD research and fascinating new book, The Human Performance Intention Experiment: A Quantum Field Framework.  They discuss the implications of quantum physics on human behavior, the interconnectedness of individuals, and the results of Toper's PhD research on the transformative power of intention to elevate human performance. The conversation explores the practical applications of these findings in leadership and organizational settings, as well as the future of this research.      Chapters   00:00  Introduction and Background   05:00  The Intersection of Quantum Physics and Human Performance   12:08  Exploring the PhD Research   17:55  Results and Findings of the Experiment   24:05  Applications and Practical Implications   30:17  Future Directions and Conclusion    I had such a great time speaking with Toper, I hope you love this conversation as well.

In this conversation today, Dr Ian Butterworth and I discuss some of our thoughts over the last two weeks which have been very polarizing on the back of the United States election results. We discuss the impact on disinformation, civic society and what we can learn from history about how we can navigate dialogue and action in a polarized world.   Chapters   00:00 The State of Western Civilization 02:46 The Role of Education in Critical Thinking 10:47 Civic Responsibility and Political Engagement 13:37 The Dynamics of Dialogue and Understanding 16:14 Organizational Challenges in a Polarized World Let us know your thoughts. Contact Josephine at https://gearedforgrowth.biz/contact/   Read about OECD’s PISA results on Critical Thinking https://www.oecd.org/en/about/projects/teaching-learning-and-assessing-creative-and-critical-thinking-skills.html