Culture de-cooded

In this episode Paul shares his experiences of the AI and tech industry and discusses the trials and tribulations of building culture and founding a business. Before founding Thought Machine, Paul successfully launched two companies, the second of which was acquired by Google in 2010. At Google, he led the text-to-speech team, which developed the cutting-edge technology that is now found in all of Google's navigation and voice search products. Paul holds a PhD in AI and has held teaching positions at Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities. Paul highlights how explicit and intentional the team at Thought Machine are when it comes to culture, and as such they have a set of core principles which guide it, inspired by Google. He touches on the importance of work ethic, and the encouragement of certain behaviours in building a productive and inspiring culture, as Thought Machine encourage all employees to facilitate debates and be “do-ers”. This episode is packed with insight, anecdotes and advice for all listeners looking to learn more about culture, AI and business. Chapters 00:00:00-Introduction to Paul Taylor 00:01:45-About Thought Machine 00:03:31-Modernising banking infrastructure 00:07:47-Thought Machine bridging the gap between challenger and legacy banks 00:10:58-Shaping culture at Thought Machine 00:17:03-"The problem with company values" 00:19:18-Maintaining culture in a growing organisation 00:20:39-"Good cultures get owned by people, who replicate it and buy into it" 00:25:28-Lessons from Google and other ventures 00:36:16-Deep dive into AI 00:42:11: "You can do simple things very well, and build a great buisness" 00:43:11-Reflections on leadership & Entrepreneurship 00:49:30-Closing questions 00:52:03-Pauls career journey as a song

Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE is a former Senior British Army Officer who commanded NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps from 2021 to 2024. Commissioned into the Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1991, he served in multiple global locations and held key instructional and leadership roles. He commanded 16 Air Assault Brigade from 2013 to 2015 and the 3rd (UK) Division from 2016 to 2018. Promoted to Lieutenant General, he became Chief of Staff Operations at the Permanent Joint Headquarters before leading the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. In 2023, he was appointed Knight Commander of The Order of the Bath. The episode not only delves into global politics and military strategy but also highlights the transferable leadership skills that apply across all sectors. Sir Nick reflects on individuality, responsibility, and the importance of understanding the people you lead, this episode offers powerful lessons for listeners from all walks of life. Chapters 00:00:00-Introduction to Sir Nicks Career 00:03:26-NATO and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine 00:08:33-Putin & global power dynamics 00:17:52-A “pre-war” phase 00:20:39-Culture in the British Army 00:29:39-Diversity of thought in the Army 00:33:18-3 things make soldiers fight 00:41:49-Military Leadership 00:51:04-Challenging the hierarchy 00:53:49-The Military as an animal 00:55:53-Sir Nick’s journey as a song

In this episode, Charlie speaks to Dame Sally Davies, the 40th - and first female - Master of Trinity College Cambridge and also the first female Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK's special envoy on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recorded in the Master's Lodge at Trinity College, Cambridge, the episode delves into Dame Sally's illustrious career and her lifelong dedication to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She describes her work as health diplomacy as she raises awareness of and attempts to influence policy on AMR, highlighting the critical need for global action against superbugs. The conversation also touches on her earlier work with sickle cell patients and her role in establishing the National Institute for Health Research. Dame Sally emphasises the challenges of changing institutional mindsets and creating sustainable health policies, sharing insights from her experiences in health diplomacy and international cooperation. She reflects on her role as Master of Trinity, saying her leadership style encourages the 192 Fellows to recognise and pursue innovation as a collective endeavour. Dame Sally highlights that her style of leadership is one of influence, not power, freedom, not constraint and evolution not revolution. Chapters: 00:00:00-Introduction to Dame Sally’s life works 00:03:37-Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) explained 00:08:42-Challenges of shifting beliefs & policy change 00:13:30-Childhood, personal values & passion 00:15:46-Pathway to overcoming AMR 00:18:47-Diplomacy & global influence on AMR 00:27:25-Behavioural change is needed 00:32:19-Resilience & mindset 00:37:57-First woman Chief Medical Officer 00:42:12-Trinity College Fellowship 00:47:00-Leadership of 192 fellows 00:49:59-Dame Sally’s journey as a song

In this episode, Charlie speaks to Sir Anthony Seldon, political author and the current head of Epsom College. Anthony has led three of the most influential independent schools in the UK and was the vice-chancellor of Buckingham University, the UK’s first private university. As the official biographer of No. 10 Downing Street, Seldon has also written the authorised biographies of consecutive Prime Ministers over the last 25 years, from John Major to Boris Johnson. The conversation with Seldon ranged widely, from defining education as ‘to lead out students potential’ and establishing the role of leaders as ‘releasers’. Seldon reflects on the damaging effect of standardisation on the education system, which leaves little room for individuality and connects the dots between positive psychology and student performance. Seldon reflects on what makes a good (and bad) prime minister. He also affirms that schools no longer teach character, suggesting this may be why recent prime ministers led with their career prospects in mind and not their principles. Seldon also offers up the idea that the politics of today are shifting to a consumer form of politics rather than a conviction of principle-led politics. Seldon’s deep spirituality and broad education and experience provides rich insights from this episode of the Culture de-cooded podcast.   Chapters 00:00:00-Introduction, diverse career and upbringing. 00:05:20-Education system and its impact on students. 00:13:19-Effective Leadership and length of tenure. 00:16:54-Political Leadership 00:20:04-Leaders as releasers 00:27:17-‘Politics should be principle-led, not consumer driven’ 00:36:00-Energy,ego and building bridges. 00:47:36-Seldon’s journey as a song.

In this episode Tamara Rojo shares her experience as artistic director of both English National Ballet (2012-2022) and more recently San Francisco Ballet (since 2022). Tamara speaks of her love of dance as an art form and its ability to change lives. Having been at the forefront of cultural transformation at the English National Ballet (ENB) for 10 years, Tamara champions the importance of personal accountability from individuals within an organisation and reflects on her belief in investing in new voices. She also highlights the importance of speed, citing quick change and therefore quick reward, as the cornerstone of cultural and organisational success. She also reminisces fondly over the late chairman, Justin Bickle, who shared her passion and workload during cultural change at ENB, which enabled Tamara to ‘not have to fight every battle alone’. Originally from Spain, Tamara didn’t train at any of the traditionally admired institutions in the ballet world, but from a small school in Madrid, and she says this ‘outsider status’ gives a fresh perspective and the ability to always question everything. As an accomplished principal dancer herself, Tamara openly discusses the mindset of a ballerina and the pursuit of excellence. Tamara states that she finds it easy being ‘ambitious on behalf of others’, and highlights that success doesn’t happen alone. She encourages all dancers in her company to take pride in their common responsibility to deliver an outstanding performance worthy of applause every time they take the stage.  Chapters 00:00:00-Welcome to Episode 5 00:01:16–Introduction to Tamara’s career 00:02:50-10 years as Artistic director of the English National Ballet (ENB) 00:09:18-Cultural transformation at ENB 00:18:21-Uniting dancers with purpose 00:23:29-The pursuit of excellence as a person and a professional 00:27:44-Ambition, pride and the ability to question everything 00:34:13-Adapting to a role off the stage 00:41:49-Whats next for Tamara and the San Fransisco Ballet 00:45:24-Reclaiming the Swan 00:47:49-Tamaras choice of song