PEOPLE, BRAND & SYSTEMS

What does it really take to lead across 77 nationalities, 7 countries, and 160 years of organisational history — and still keep your humanity intact?In this episode of the 5th Discipline Podcast, Lindy Taylor sits down with Bernard Asnong: international speaker, moderator, Global HR Business Partner at TÜV SÜD, and author of Be Awesome, Be Global. Bernard's journey from barefoot beginnings in Zimbabwe and Zambia to corporate leadership in Madrid is not just a career story — it's a masterclass in cultural intelligence, adaptive leadership, and what it truly means to listen.With over 30,000 employees across 77 nationalities at TÜV SÜD, Bernard has tested every leadership theory in the real world. What he shares in this conversation is hard-won, practical, and immediately applicable — whether you manage a team of 5 or 5,000.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEThe two formative experiences from Bernard's early life that shaped how he sees people and culture at workWhy fun and humanity unlock diversity better than any formal policy or training programmeHow living across 7 countries redefined his understanding of great leadership (hint: it has nothing to do with being right)The crucial difference between being kind and being nice — and why confusing them is failing your teamHow to adapt your leadership style across cultures: practical advice on The Culture Map by Erin Meyer and DISC profilingWhy one-off diversity and culture workshops rarely work, and what continuous cultural engagement actually looks likeThe warning signs of psychological safety breakdown that leaders must not ignoreHow to keep culture alive in remote and hybrid global teams after COVID changed everythingCross-border team building strategies that work without flying everyone to the same cityBernard's personal mental wellness rituals: gym discipline, vinyl records, mentorship, and a nightly self-gratitude practiceThe one Swahili word — sikiliza — that Bernard says is the most important daily habit for any leader who wants to grow their cultural intelligenceHow active listening can shift unconscious bias and transform relationships over timeEPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 — Introduction and welcome00:51 — Be Awesome, Be Global: Bernard's book and journey from Zimbabwe to Madrid03:02 — Barefoot to global: the pig farm and Dilly's Thriller moment07:42 — Living in 7 countries: what great leadership really means09:03 — Kind vs nice: why tough feedback is the most generous thing a leader can give10:15 — The Culture Map, DISC, and adapting style across cultures13:15 — Why one-off training fails: what continuous cultural engagement looks like14:37 — Psychological safety and mental wellness: warning signs leaders must not miss17:18 — Global citizens vs HQ vs regions: navigating matrix organisations19:22 — Remote work and hybrid teams: keeping culture alive post-COVID21:15 — Cross-border team building that actually works23:17 — Bernard's personal wellness rituals for global HR leaders27:18 — Sikiliza: the one daily habit that grows cultural intelligence28:50 — Active listening, unconscious bias, and transforming relationshipsABOUT BERNARD ASNONGBernard Asnong is an international speaker, moderator, trainer, and Global HR Business Partner at TÜV SÜD — a 160-year-old global testing, inspection, and certification company with over 30,000 employees across 77 nationalities. Having lived and worked in seven countries across three continents, Bernard brings a uniquely lived perspective to cross-cultural leadership and people strategy. He is also the author of Be Awesome, Be Global, an honest and unpolished account of his journey from Zimbabwe to the global stage.RESOURCES MENTIONEDBe Awesome, Be Global by Bernard Asnong — available on AmazonThe Culture Map by Erin Meyer — essential reading for leaders of globally distributed teamsDISC Profiling — for understanding team dynamics, personalities, and leadership stylesCONNECT WITH BERNARD ASNONGLinkedIn: Search "Bernard Asnong" on LinkedInBook: Search "Be Awesome Be Global Bernard Asnong" on AmazonCONNECT WITH TÜVSÜDWebsite: https://www.tuvsud.comLinkedIn: Search TÜV SÜD on LinkedInCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST — LINDY TAYLORLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-disciplineWebsite: https://the5thdiscipline.comABOUT THE 5TH DISCIPLINE PODCASTThe 5th Discipline Podcast explores everything to do with people, culture, and systems in the climate change and sustainability space. Hosted by Lindy Taylor, each episode brings together global leaders, HR professionals, and change-makers to share the insights and strategies that build thriving, future-fit organisations.Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if this conversation resonated with you, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more people find the show.KEYWORDSglobal leadership, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural management, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, psychological safety, mental wellness at work, remote team culture, hybrid teams, Be Awesome Be Global, Bernard Asnong, TÜV SÜD, The Culture Map, Erin Meyer, DISC assessment, active listening, unconscious bias, HR business partner, Africa business, climate sustainability leadership, international HR, matrix organisation, 5th Discipline podcast, Lindy Taylor

In this episode, Lindy Taylor sits down with Candice Seggie, Chief People Officer at Solar Africa, to unpack how truly effective culture elevates organisations—well beyond slogans to something authentically lived. Explore the real-world impact of employee engagement, thoughtful leadership, and innovative people strategies on business success and retention.What you’ll learn in this episode:[00:00] – Preparing employees for meaningful engagement and managing organisational change[04:12] – Why regular surveys and transparent feedback loops drive genuine participation[09:40] – Rethinking workplace flexibility to support diverse teams[14:22] – How candour and communication build psychological safety and trust[18:55] – Customising perks and mental health support to boost wellbeing and loyalty[23:10] – Leadership development and consistent coaching for high-performing teams[27:45] – The HR metrics that matter for recruitment, performance, and retention[32:00] – Why great culture retains talent even in highly competitive sectors💡 Key Topics:employee engagement - workplace flexibility - mental health and wellbeing - leadership coaching - performance management - HR metrics - staff retention - company culture - exit interviews - talent attraction - Solar Africa - African business - organisational growth - operational excellenceConnect with Candice SeggieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceseggie/Website: https://solarafrica.comConnect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-discipline/Website: https://the5thdiscipline.comFollow 5th Discipline on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5th-discipline👍 If you value actionable leadership lessons and culture-first business growth, follow this podcast for more insights🔔 Subscribe for episodes with executive leaders and culture champions💬 Share your takeaways or tips on employee engagement in the commentsFull Description:“Culture at Scale – Measuring Engagement & Growing Stronger” brings you powerful insights from Lindy Taylor and Candice Seggie on what it really takes to build, measure, and sustain a winning company culture. Get tactical advice on using surveys, feedback, and HR data to future-proof your organisation, create impactful wellness programmes, and build high-trust leadership teams. Discover how Solar Africa’s focus on wellbeing, flexibility, and engagement has helped them attract and retain top talent, reduce turnover, and maximise performance—even in fast-scaling environments.Perfect for business leaders, HR professionals, and teams seeking evidence-based strategies to foster a healthy, high-retention workplace and drive business growth.Tune in, and get ready to uplift your people—and your results!#EmployeeEngagement #PeopleStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #SolarAfrica #Retention #HRAnalytics🔑 Search Keywords:employee engagement - workplace flexibility - mental wellness - leadership coaching - recruitment metrics - talent retention - performance management - company culture - exit interviews - employee perks - African business - renewable energy - operational efficiency - high-performing teams - psychological safety

In this episode, Lindy Taylor CEO & Founder of 5th Discipline, sits down with Candice Seggie, Chief People Officer at Solar Africa, to explore how truly effective company culture elevates organisations. Learn why culture is more than just a slogan—it's at the heart of your people, your purpose, and the stories that drive success.What you’ll learn in this episode:[00:00] – Candice’s journey through recruitment, marketing, and the growth of Solar Africa[04:12] – The vital role of your people in scaling and sustaining core company values[09:40] – Managing organisational mergers with change management, clear communication, and trust-building[14:22] – How to define and live authentic company values for sustainable long-term growth[18:55] – Recruiting for cultural fit: effective interview methods and promoting diversity[23:10] – Day-to-day actions that nurture a thriving company culture and employee engagement[27:45] – Performance management strategies, KPIs, and behaviour-focused reviews[32:00] – Leadership transparency and its positive impact on overall business performance💡 Key Topics:culture at scale - organisational design - employee engagement - authentic leadership - business values - change management - recruitment strategies - solar energy sector - company mergers - performance management - workplace wellbeing - employer branding - scaling in Africa - operational excellence - digital transformation📌 Connect with Candice SeggieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceseggie/ Website: https://solarafrica.comConnect with the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-discipline/ Website: https://the5thdiscipline.comFollow 5th Discipline on LinkedIn.👍 Like this episode if you found value in it🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on building strong cultures and business growth💬 Share your key takeaways or questions in the commentsFull Description:“Culture at Scale – Building a Business Worth Believing In” features Lindy Taylor and Candice Seggie discussing proven strategies for scaling a thriving business without compromising culture and values. Explore how Solar Africa transitioned from a start-up to a pan-African energy leader by focusing on employee engagement, performance excellence, and meaningful impact.Get actionable insights on change management, living core values, and recruitment centred on cultural fit. Learn how to build high-performing teams and foster a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. This episode delivers valuable lessons for executives, managers, and HR leaders aiming to strengthen organisation culture, boost team engagement, and drive sustainable growth.Ready to develop your culture and scale your business? Access custom workshops, audits, and consulting across renewable energy, climate, and sustainability sectors.#CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #SolarAfrica #ScaleUp🔑 Search Keywords:company culture - scaling business - organisational design - employee engagement - leadership - purpose-driven business - recruitment strategies - mergers and acquisitions - behavioural KPIs - talent management - operational excellence - African business - sustainable growth - culture champions - business worth believing in

In this follow-up episode, Specioser Mutheu dives into the creative and tactical side of startup marketing — how to build strong visuals, stretch a tight budget, and turn your people into your marketing superpower.From capturing event photos and building a stock-image library to leveraging interns and brand partnerships, Specioser breaks down how Octavia Carbon grew its reach organically — and why the best brands are built from the inside out.🎧 You’ll learn about:– Visuals that work (and why simplicity wins)– Building reusable brand assets before campaigns– Leveraging interns, students & partnerships for content– Making marketing interactive and human– Attracting top talent through credibility💬 “When your people speak for your brand, you don’t just grow followers — you grow believers.”📌 Connect with Specioser MutheuLinkedIn: Specioser Mutheu📲 Follow The 5th DisciplineLinkedIn: 5th DisciplineConnect with the Host: Lindy TaylorWebsite: the5thdiscipline.com#PeoplePoweredMarketing #BrandStrategy #ClimateStartups #VisualStorytelling #The5thDiscipline🔑 Keywords:startup visuals • brand asset development • employee advocacy • organic marketing • talent attraction • leveraging interns • startup PR • Octavia Carbon • LinkedIn content strategy • climate innovation marketing

Full Episode Description:In this episode of The 5th Discipline Podcast, host Lindy Taylor chats with Specioser Mutheu, Communications Manager at Octavia Carbon, Africa’s first direct air capture (DAC) company.Together, they unpack how startups can build credibility before they have budgets — and why authentic storytelling, team advocacy, and consistency matter more than campaigns.You’ll hear how Octavia grew from a small Nairobi-based team into a recognised climate-tech brand through people-first marketing and smart partnerships that made their circle wider.🎧 You’ll learn about:– Turning credibility into your startup’s strongest currency– Using your team as brand storytellers and amplifiers– Building organic traction through partnerships & accelerators– How consistency (not budget) builds brand trust💬 “When your people believe in the mission, your story tells itself.”📌 Connect with Specioser MutheuLinkedIn: Specioser Mutheu📲 Follow The 5th DisciplineLinkedIn: 5th DisciplineConnect with the Host: Lindy TaylorWebsite: the5thdiscipline.com#Leadership #StartupMarketing #ClimateTech #BrandBuilding #The5thDiscipline🔑 Keywords:People-first marketing • startup branding • credibility building • organic marketing • LinkedIn strategy • Octavia Carbon • Africa startups • storytelling for founders • climate tech PR • leveraging employees in marketing

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kim Raath, co-founder of Ledgerment and PrimeShore, we dive deeper into the strategies that help founders and teams thrive. Kim shares why storytelling beats facts for connection, how to simplify complex problems for scalability, and why cash-flow mastery and feedback loops are essential for sustainable growth. She also gives candid insights on preparing for investors, protecting your personal time as a founder, crafting a meaningful employee value proposition and leading with authenticity in the age of AI.Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling your organisation, you’ll get practical tips you can apply right away.🎧 What You’ll Learn in Part 2Using storytelling to inspire trust and action.Breaking complex problems into scalable solutions.Mastering cash flow and capital readiness.Building with customer input and effective feedback loops.Crafting employee value propositions that go beyond perks.Mentoring and leading authentically, even as AI reshapes work.📝 Sound Bites“Storytelling connects people, facts don’t.”“Cash is king — know your numbers.”“Protect your time; authenticity is leadership.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Storytelling Over Facts: The Key to Connection03:15 – Simplifying Complex Problems for Scalability07:30 – Understanding Your Numbers: Cash Flow Essentials12:10 – Feedback Loops: Building with Customer Input17:45 – Capital Readiness: Preparing for Investor Engagement23:05 – Protecting Personal Time: The Cost of Entrepreneurship28:40 – Crafting an Effective Employee Value Proposition34:20 – The Human Element: Mentoring Beyond AI39:00 – Authenticity in Leadership: The Final Word🔔 Subscribe & ListenCatch more episodes on leadership, people, brand and systems

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kim Raath, entrepreneur and co-founder of Ledgerment and PrimeShore. Kim shares her journey from bootstrapping to leading AI-driven teams, the power of storytelling in business, and how to build trust and culture inside a startup. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling your company, you’ll get actionable tips on leadership, team building, employee value propositions and cash-flow management.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy storytelling resonates more than facts in business.How AI and team dynamics are reshaping startups.Building trust and vulnerability into leadership.Creating employee value propositions based on lived experiences.Cash flow, bootstrapping and protecting your own well-being as a founder.📝 Sound Bites“Fail fast, but fail forward.”“Cash is king.”“Be authentic. Be you.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Kim Raath and Her Journey03:01 – Transitioning into Climate and Carbon Credits05:40 – Building Ledgerment and PrimeShore08:44 – Emerging Trends in Startups: AI and Team Dynamics11:27 – Leadership Superpowers and Building Trust14:36 – Navigating Uncertainty and Vulnerability in Leadership17:21 – Effective Team Building in Remote Settings20:12 – Creating a Culture of Feedback and Growth Mindset29:40 – The Importance of Accessibility in LeadershipRemember to subscribe for more interesting conversations with leaders!

In this episode of The 5th Discipline Podcast, host Lindy Taylor chats with Samista Jugwanth, Technical Director at Zutari. Together they explore how engineers can lead with foresight, innovation, and empathy — and why self-awareness and diversity of thought are essential to building the future of infrastructure.🎙️ You’ll hear about: – Moving from technical expertise to people leadership – Using strategic foresight to plan for unpredictable futures – Creating innovation in highly regulated project environments – Building trust and openness with teams – Goal-setting beyond SMART: how “theme-setting” drives growth📩 Connect with Samista Jugwanth: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samista-jugwanth/ Email: samista.j@gmail.com📲 Follow The 5th Discipline for more insights on People, Brand & Systems: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5th-disciplineVisit our Website: https://the5thdiscipline.com/Connect with the Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-discipline/If you enjoy this conversation, please rate and review the podcast – it helps more listeners discover these stories.

In part 2 of this conversation, with Lindy Taylor and Wiehahn De Jager - they continue the discussion around the critical role of soft skills in hiring, the importance of company culture, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Wiehahn shares insights from his experience at CrossBoundary, emphasising the need for clarity in communication and the significance of understanding candidates' motivations. They explore trends in the climate change sector and how organisations can adapt to attract and retain top talent.TakeawaysSoft skills are essential for career advancement.A positive relationship with feedback is crucial.Being comfortable with ambiguity is a valuable skill.Understanding when to influence versus when to execute is key.Company culture should be clearly defined and communicated.AI can enhance recruitment but requires careful implementation.Recruitment metrics should focus on outcomes, not just inputs.Assessing past behaviours is more informative than hypothetical questions.Understanding candidates' motivations is vital for retention.Diversity in hiring leads to better organisational outcomes.TitlesUnlocking the Power of Soft Skills in HiringBuilding a Culture of Success at CrossBoundarySound Bites"We have a very clear culture.""Ask them what they've done.""You can't step in the same river twice."Chapters32:27: De-risking the Hiring Process34:00: Assessing Soft Skills in Recruitment37:00: Evaluating Cultural Fit38:16: Authenticity in Interviewing43:02: Understanding Candidate Motivations47:47: The Importance of Reference Checks49:49: Red and Green Flags in Interviews55:51: Retention Strategies for Top Talent01:01:18: Trends in Climate-Focused Talent Acquisition

In this conversation, Lindy Taylor and Wiehahn De Jager discuss the critical role of soft skills in hiring, the importance of company culture, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Wiehahn shares insights from his experience at CrossBoundary, emphasising the need for clarity in communication and the significance of understanding candidates' motivations. They explore trends in the climate change sector and how organisations can adapt to attract and retain top talent.TakeawaysSoft skills are essential for career advancement.A positive relationship with feedback is crucial.Being comfortable with ambiguity is a valuable skill.Understanding when to influence versus when to execute is key.Company culture should be clearly defined and communicated.AI can enhance recruitment but requires careful implementation.Recruitment metrics should focus on outcomes, not just inputs.Assessing past behaviours is more informative than hypothetical questions.Understanding candidates' motivations is vital for retention.Diversity in hiring leads to better organisational outcomes.TitlesUnlocking the Power of Soft Skills in HiringBuilding a Culture of Success at CrossBoundarySound Bites"We have a very clear culture.""Ask them what they've done.""You can't step in the same river twice."Chapters00:00: The Importance of Soft Skills in Hiring04:33: Understanding CrossBoundary and Its Impact10:44: The Journey into Talent Acquisition16:39: Navigating AI in Recruitment28:33: Measuring Recruitment Success with KPIs

Welcome to the 5th Discipline Podcast – the space where we explore everything about people, brand, and systems to help climate change players in Africa scale with impact. 🌍⚡In this episode, we sit down with Anja Visagie, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer at SPS – a leading renewables assessment management company operating across the SADC region and part of the Gridworks portfolio.Anja shares her insights on leadership, growth, and building resilient teams in the fast-evolving renewable energy sector. From developing new leadership skills to fostering trust, inclusion, and collaboration in diverse teams, she unpacks the real-world challenges of scaling a climate-tech business in Africa.🔑 Key Themes We Discuss:Leadership skills and tools every manager needs to grow 📈Building trust and collaboration in uncertain times 🤝Creating inclusive team environments where innovation thrives 💡Keeping yourself and your team motivated in high-pressure roles 🔥Aligning company values with diversity in talent acquisition 🌱Encouraging innovation in renewable energy companies ⚡Leadership lessons Anja had to learn and unlearn quickly 🧠If you’re interested in leadership, organisational culture, scaling startups, and climate innovation in Africa, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and inspiration.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the 5th Discipline Podcast and follow us on LinkedIn (@5thDiscipline) to stay updated on our latest episodes.