The Human Loop Podcast

In this episode, I break down what it really takes to transition from being an operator to becoming an effective leader.I share the biggest mistakes I see founders and first-time leaders make, from holding onto the “do everything” mindset to skipping the foundations that actually make teams perform.We also get into how to build strong team cultures, hire for the right reasons, and give feedback in a way that develops people rather than demotivates them.Chapters00:23 Who Is Ben?01:07 Sahara Marathon Challenge02:26 Rugby to Career Pivot05:42 Lockdown Decision Moment07:04 Building a 7-Figure Business08:13 Where Leadership Started12:32 Biggest Leadership Mistakes15:18 The Delegation Problem18:15 Leadership at Every Level20:08 How to Onboard Properly21:11 Culture Explained Simply26:57 Why Feedback Is Hard27:16 The Worst Feedback Ever30:06 How to Give Better Feedback33:14 Difficult ConversationsCheck out the Founders 500: https://founders500.comPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Curtis to explore what it really takes to make AI work inside modern businesses.We unpack why messy data, fragmented systems, and inconsistent processes are holding companies back and why the real challenge isn’t the tech, but people and behaviour.Simon shares where AI actually creates value, why most implementations fail, and how to think beyond revenue to the time AI can give back.If you’re trying to figure out how AI fits into your business and how to balance automation with human input, this one’s right up your street.Chapters00:00 Intro: AI, Recruitment & The Human Loop01:53 The AI Wake-Up Call for Businesses05:12 The Hidden Behaviour Problem in Teams06:21 Why Process Matters More Than AI Tools12:22 The Biggest AI Mistake: Volume Over Quality13:50 Why People Reject AI Outreach Instantly15:09 Measuring AI ROI: Time vs Revenue17:29 How AI Should Reshape Roles23:34 Selection vs Attraction: What AI Can’t Replace27:20 When AI Projects Actually Succeed29:02 Why Most Tech Rollouts Fail30:16 The $100K Mistake: Tools No One Uses33:24 Why Humans Still Matter in AI38:11 Final Thoughts: The Future of WorkConnect with Simon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoncurtisrecPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Paul, founder of Ookkee, to talk about how modern service businesses are evolving, the role of AI in day-to-day operations, and what it really means to build an efficient, future-proof company.We dive into how Ookkee operates as a bookkeeping business, how AI is being integrated into their workflow, and why the real opportunity isn’t replacing people, but enabling better decisions, faster delivery, and more value for clients. We also explore how the industry is changing and what founders need to understand to stay competitive.If you’re building a business or trying to figure out how AI actually fits into your operations, this one’s right up your street.Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:20 – The Story Behind the Business04:30 – What the Business Actually Does08:30 – Where AI Fits Into the Business13:00 – How AI Is Used Day-to-Day18:30 – Efficiency vs Replacing Jobs24:00 – Delivering More Value with AI30:00 – How the Industry Is Changing36:00 – The Reality of AI in Business41:30 – Final Thoughts & TakeawaysConnect with Paul - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarke-ookkeeCheck out ookkee - https://www.ookkee.co.ukPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks round up I discuss the critical issues facing leadership today, including high stress levels among managers, the importance of talent density, and the challenges of AI integration in organisations. He emphasizes the need for real-time engagement, effective change management, and empathetic leadership to navigate these complexities.00:00 Introduction to The Weekly Loop00:28 The Leadership Stress Crisis01:07 Why Middle Management Matters More Than Ever02:17 Talent Density and Protecting Business Margins03:12 Real-Time Employee Engagement03:39 The Long-Term Stress Leaders Have Faced Since 202004:11 How Leaders Should Handle Constant Change05:04 Why CEOs Believe Their Jobs Depend on AI05:41 Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail06:29 The Change Management Mistake Companies Make07:26 The Change Equation: Why People Resist Change08:18 Closing the Knowing–Doing Gap09:04 The Risk of Losing Your Best Leaders10:02 Why Talent Density Will Define Winning CompaniesPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Ezra, entrepreneur and multi-business founder to talk about leadership, failure, systems, and the real impact AI is about to have on modern businesses.After being forced to shut down 65–70% of his group in 2019, Ezra rebuilt with a sharper focus on structure, accountability, and long-term competitive advantage. We explore why most founders are thinking about AI wrong, what actually creates a moat in today’s landscape and why systems matter more than chaos when scaling, If you're building a company or trying to stay competitive in an AI-driven world, this one's right up your street! Chapters00:00 Systems Thinking Starts at Home  02:00 Leadership Lessons from Childhood  05:45 Chaos vs Systems in Early-Stage Founders  08:35 Why Founders Secretly Love the Mess  09:23 The Collapse: Shutting Down 65–70% of the Group  11:10 Accountability at Your Lowest Point  12:00 Why Failure Makes Better Entrepreneurs  26:01 The AI Question Most Businesses Aren’t Asking  27:42 The Real Moat: Data, Relationships & Expertise  30:40 Brand, Memory & The Human Advantage  43:19 Optimising Humans, Not Replacing Them  44:48 Turning AI Into Competitive Leverage  46:00 From Recruiter to Talent Solutions Architect  Connect with Ezra - https://ezrachapman.comPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m Ben, founder of Atherio and my mission is simple: enable the performance and wellbeing of 10 million managers in the next three years.In this episode, I share why managers have one of the toughest jobs in business, why most don’t get the support they need, and how we’re bridging the gap between knowing what good leadership looks like and actually doing it.From elite sport with England national rugby union team to working with global organisations, I’ve seen what makes teams flourish and what causes them to fail.If you care about building high-performing teams without burning people out, this one’s for you.Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of the Human in the Loop podcast, I sit down with Nikki, Managing Director of Ferox Partners, to explore what AI really means for recruitment, leadership, and the future of work.We unpack how AI can drive speed and efficiency in hiring without losing the human relationships that build trust, culture, and performance. From cultural fit versus skill set, to offshoring, early-career development, and burnout in lean teams.We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Lunch at Lashings02:30 – Ferox Partners & Running Lean with AI06:00 – AI in Recruitment: Efficiency vs Human Judgment10:30 – Cultural Fit vs Skillset: What Really Matters?14:45 – Will AI Replace Human Roles?19:30 – Trust, Emotion & The “Bad Sandwich” Analogy23:30 – On-Site Client Work & The Value of Human Insight29:00 – Offshoring vs AI: The Future of Recruitment Models36:00 – Entry-Level Jobs & The Impact of AI on Early Careers41:30 – Education, MBAs & Preparing Graduates for AI-First Workplaces47:00 – Parental Responsibility & Work Ethic in the Next Generation52:00 – Burnout, Lean Teams & Manager Capability57:00 – Risk, Development & The Future of LeadershipConnect with Nikki - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-foster-21014223/Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode I sit down with Lily Kyriacou to discuss the challenges of reactive fixes in business, particularly in the context of team dynamics and performance. Lily shares her experiences at Amdaris, where she observed that traditional approaches to problem-solving were inadequate in a rapidly changing environment.We then delve into the need for businesses to adapt to continuous change and the critical role of resilience and adaptability in maintaining high performance without leading to burnout.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Business Challenges01:23 The Impact of Reactive Fixes05:32 Understanding Team Dynamics10:18 The Importance of Adaptability12:13 Exploring Solutions for Resilience19:52 Identifying Key Behaviors in Teams25:34 The Shift from Skills to Job Identities30:08 Reinventing How We Approach Our PeopleConnect with Lilly - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilykyriacouPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.getatherio.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Ruth and I discuss the importance of strategic planning for 2026, emphasising the need for business leaders to reflect on past performance and set clear goals. We explore the integration of AI in the construction industry, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and safety. Ruth also addresses the challenges of adopting AI, advocating for treating it as a team member and ensuring proper training for employees. Chapters00:00 Strategic Planning for the New Year03:13 AI in the Construction Industry10:01 Integrating AI as a Team Member16:59 Enhancing Project Management with AI21:20 The Future of AI in Construction30:21 Transforming Construction Through Data and AutomationConnect with Ruth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-oates-864b2b3/?originalSubdomain=ukPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Human Loop podcast, I discuss two main topics: the importance of understanding one's purpose in leadership, inspired by a podcast featuring Tony Robbins and Alex Hormozi, and the rising adoption of AI in the workplace, as highlighted by a recent Gallup study.Chapters00:00 Exploring Leadership and Purpose03:50 The Rise of AI in the WorkplaceWatch the conversation with Tony & Alex referenced here: https://youtu.be/xz-ymFOhBAE?si=YZxtgVx_Y7JxGdK7Study Mentioned: GallupPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode I sit down with Andrew Fahey to discuss the challenges and opportunities for CEOs in 2026, emphasising the importance of realistic optimism. We explore the role of AI in transforming professional services, the necessity of human skills in a tech-driven world, and the innovative approaches Briars is taking to enhance client experience and internal processes.Chapters00:00 Navigating 2026: Realistic Optimism for CEOs02:57 Briars: Global Expansion and Professional Services05:56 AI Disruption in Professional Services09:00 The Human Element in AI Integration11:47 Transforming Client Experience with AI15:01 Internal Use Cases for AI in Leadership19:58 The Future of Onboarding and Human Skills24:39 Generational Challenges in Professional Services29:48 Conclusion: Embracing Change for SuccessConnect with Andrew - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfahey/Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I'm joined by Charlie Voller Barnes to discuss the intersection of human performance and AI, exploring the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies. We delve into the importance of clarity in goals, the role of people in transformation, and the necessity of continuous feedback and experimentation.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Human Performance and AI02:03 The State of AI in Business05:05 Understanding Transformation Failures08:41 The Role of People in Transformation13:31 Experimentation and Incremental Change19:31 Communicating Change Effectively30:03 Top Tips for Implementing AI ProductsConnect with Charlie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvollerbarnes/Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comConnect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Human Loop I discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in 2026, emphasising the critical role of AI and the necessity for leaders to adapt their strategies. I highlights the importance of human skills, trust, and purpose in driving organisational performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by skill gaps in the workforce. Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.comChapters:00:00 The State of Leadership in 202602:27 Strategic Leadership as a Core Skill04:22 The Importance of Human Skills and Trust07:16 Closing the Gap Between Tech and Human CapabilityStudies Mentioned:Story 1: UK business investment in AI and traininghttps://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/assets/pdfs/media/press-releases/2025-press-releases/lloyds-bank/31.12.2025-lloyds-new-year-flash-business-barometer.pdf Story 2: Survey coverage & additional contexthttps://www.lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre/insight/business-barometer.htmlStory 3: Skills gaps & transformation barriersWorld Economic Forum summary on skills gaps and upskilling prioritieshttps://gloat.com/blog/ai-employment-impactStory 4: AI in the workplace & skills obsolescencehttps://www.secondtalent.com/resources/future-of-workplace-statistics-that-are-important-to-know/ Connect with The host - Ben Stockenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of The Human Loop, Agni and I discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership and recruitment, the role of honesty in attracting talent, and the impact of AI on the recruitment process.Chapters00:00 Leadership Failures and Authenticity03:04 The Role of Honesty in Recruitment06:04 Speed to Hire: Strategies for Success08:45 AI Adoption in Recruitment11:45 The Future of AI in Staffing14:35 Human vs AI in Recruitment17:41 Building Trust in Recruitment20:44 The Importance of Relationships23:48 Differentiating in a Crowded Market26:47 Leadership Metrics: Sacrifice and Challenge29:41 Meaningful Work and Team SuccessConnect with Agni https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnighosh/Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com/Connect with The host - Ben Stockenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weekly loop I discuss the latest research and trends in human performance, AI integration in business, employee engagement, and the challenges of burnout. We highlight the significant use of AI in organizations, the concerning decline in employee engagement, and the critical need for effective communication and support for managers and employees to combat burnout and enhance productivity. Powered By Atherio: https://www.atheriohq.com/Chapters:00:00 The Rise of AI in Business02:47 Employee Engagement Trends06:07 The Burnout Crisis08:55 AI Training and HR Integration11:48 Leadership and AI Strategy Disconnect15:02 Key Takeaways and Future FocusStudies Mentioned:Story 1: The AI Value Gap"The State of AI 2025: Agents, innovation, and transformation"Source: McKinsey & CompanyURL: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-aiStory 2: Manager Engagement Crisis"State of the Global Workplace 2025"Source: GallupURL: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/state-of-global-workplaceStory 3: Burnout at All-Time High"Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change"Source: DHR GlobalURL: https://huntscanlon.com/workforce-trends-2026-leaders-confront-burnout-disengagement-and-ai-driven-change/Story 4: The AI Training Gap"2025 Talent Trends: Artificial Intelligence in HR"Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)Published: February 2025URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-talent-trends/ai-in-hrStory 5: The AI Strategy Illusion"Workforce 2025 Global Insights Report"Source: Korn FerryURL: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/korn-ferry-reveals-workforce-2025-researchPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every managerConnect with The host - Ben Stockenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Human Loop I sit down with Mizan Rahman, co-founder of Emerge IQ and an OG of the Ai space.We discuss the evolution of AI, the importance of human synthesis in technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in society. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to AI and Human Performance02:30 - Exploring Human Synthesis in AI12:38 - The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction21:53 - AI's Impact on Leadership and Organizational Change43:08 - Empowering Organizations through the Human LoopConnect with Miz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizan-rahmanPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every managerConnect with The host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's loop I talk about how AI, leadership, and workplace innovation all connect. I explain that AI tools can be helpful, but the real challenge is building strong leadership, because that’s what actually drives meaningful change in an organization. I share five stories that show how HR is starting to focus more on developing leaders, why workplace innovation matters, the hurdles companies face when adopting AI, and the rising issue of employee burnout. In the end, my main point is that if organizations want better productivity and more engaged employees, they need to invest in their leaders.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to The Human Loop and AI in Leadership00:59 Workplace Innovation: The Role of Leadership03:24 Leadership Development: A New Priority for HR05:45 The AI Silicon Ceiling: Bridging the Gap07:43 CEOs and Social Media: A Strategic Retreat09:39 The Burnout Engagement Paradox12:27 Conclusion: Leadership as the BottleneckStudies Mentioned:Story 1: Workplace InnovationStory 2: Leadership Development #1 PriorityStory 3: The AI Silicon CeilingStory 4: CEOs Going QuietStory 5: Burnout-Engagement ParadoxPowered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every managerConnect with The host - Ben Stocken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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