Access the podcast transcript here. Ann Scoular, co-founder of Myla Campbell, talks to Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie about coaching, leadership development and the application of psychology and neuroscience in the workplace. She outlines criteria for effective coaching and emphasises the importance of leaders modeling a culture of coaching in their organisations. Episode timestamps Ann Scoular talks about her career path, from being a diplomat and international banker to becoming a psychologist - 00:00-01:00 Attributes of an effective coach - 01:00-02:45 Stress and the brain: the impact of stress on the brain and how it affects higher thinking functions and creativity. - 02:45-11:25 Strengths inventories: Research into Queen Victoria's reign and how strengths inventories can be applied to identify and play to individual strengths - 11:25-14:56 The importance of reconnecting with our humanity as technology plays a greater part in our lives – and how coaching can help achieve this. - 14:56-17:24
Access the podcast transcript here. Psychologist John Amaechi, a former NBA basketball player, shares his his journey to sporting success and his decision to pursue a career in psychology. Talking to Future Talent Learning's Karam Filfilan, he also discusses ethics in business and his personal principles, stressing the importance of creating cultures of accountability. Episode timestamps Growing up in Stockport in the UK [00:01:12] Being recognised for physical ability over his intellect [00:05:28] ] Discovering basketball – and moving to the US to realise his ambitions [00:09:34] Writing 3,000 letters to the US to find a coach [00:12:15] Dealing with setbacks [00:14:29] The benefits of hard work [00:18:50] Principles and loyalty – turning down a contract with the Lakers [00:22:29] How principles can help boost trust and engagement [00:28:12] Having honest conversations and the value of micro-appraisals [00:32:18] Ethical leadership [00:39:54] Being an 'everyday Jedi' [00:40:49]
Access the podcast transcript here. Bruce Daisley, (then) head of Twitter's EMEA business and host of the podcast series Eat Sleep Work Repeat shares his insights around the changing world of work with Future Talent Learning's Mary Appleton. They discuss Daisley's views on work culture, his role at Twitter and his mission to help people be happier at work (including his work manifesto). Episode timestamps Eat Sleep Work Repeat – Daisley's mission to help people be happier at work [00:01:07] The importance of chat in the workplace [00:04:15] A new work manifesto [00:06:27] Building dynamic teams [00:10:07] Presumed permission in the workplace [00:18:03] Giving employees permission to work autonomously [00:20:03] Working for Twitter [00:20:49] Building culture and connections [00:25:37] The importance of curiosity [00:30:43] Digital inclusion and reskilling [00:33:11] The future of work [00:35:00]
Access the podcast transcript here. Lord Chris Holmes, Great Britain's most successful Paralympic swimmer, explains how he has achieved his goals despite losing his sight as a teenager. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's Mary Appleton, he highlights the importance of self-determination and self-belief and emphasises the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Episode timestamps Lord Chris Holmes talks about his working-class upbringing in the West Midlands and losing his sight at the age of 14, which led to him having to relearn everything [00:01:32] Distinct ambitions [00:02:49] Achieving his goals through self-determination, self-belief and hard work [00:05:04] Overcoming hurdles [00:06:09] Winning the London 2012 Olympics bid [00:08:24] The Games Makers strategy [00:11:50] L Moving on from the Paralympic Games – joining the House of Lords [00:13:10] The potential of the fourth industrial revolution to empower and enable talent [00:16:23] Leadership for inclusion in the Fourth Industrial Revolution [00:19:31] Humans will always win out over the robots [00:20:57] Innovation, inclusion and social mobility [00:25:08] Staying motivated, included and making a difference [00:28:08]
Access the podcast transcript here. Adam Kingl, managing director for Europe at Duke Corporate Education, discusses societal trends and changes in the workplace. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie, Kingl talks about the evolution of capitalism, the perspectives of younger employees and why businesses must adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He argues that effective modern leadership is less bureaucratic and more inclusive, with a focus on sustainability and purpose. Episode timestamps How capitalism how changed over the centuries, leading to a new inflection point [00:01:12] Generational differences in the workplace [00:04:28] Adapting management philosophy and architecture [00:08:03] 21st-century management [00:09:14] The need for a less bureaucratic form of leadership and how leaders can adopt future-focused methods in their leadership today [00:11:24] Technology and keadership [00:16:06] Societal trends and changes in the workplace [00:17:37] Development opportunities for Gen Y [00:20:23] Managing fundamental change – thinking like activists [00:22:17]
Access the podcast transcript here. Emma Birchall, head of insight and forecasting at Hotspots Movement, explores the implications of longer lives for society and business. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's Karam Filfilan, she explains why we need to reskill and reinvent ourselves continuallly to stay valuable in the workforce and why organisations must provide opportunities for horizontal moves and skills-building. She emphasises the importance of human skills and peer-to-peer learning. Episode timestamps The 100 Year Life: what skills do we need to survive? [00:00:18] Financial challenges of retirement [00:03:12] Experimenting with changes to our working lives [00:05:41] The need to reinvent ourselves due to technological change [00:07:48] Building skills continuously [00:10:26] Building our intangible assets [00:13:42] The employer role in brokering training [00:17:29] Future-proofing organisations [00:20:04] Developing uniquely human skills [00:22:53] Future-proofing our careers [00:24:35]
Access the podcast transcript here. Barrister and broadcaster Hashi Mohamed talks to Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie about inequality and barriers to social mobility in context to his own upbringing. Mohamed shares his experiences of growing up in deprived areas of the UK, going through the education system and beating the odds to become a barrister. He discusses the challenges faced by those from minority backgrounds in achieving success and the importance of improving workplace diversity and inclusion. Episode timestamps Hashi Mohamed's journey from Kenya to the UK – and his career journey becoming a barrister [00:00:22] Defining and measuring social mobility [00:02:24] Developing a work ethic and the importance of mentoring [00:08:42] Adapting to different environments [00:12:47] The impact of inequalities on social mobility [00:16:46] The challenges faced by leaders in increasing diversity in the workforce [00:22:08] Overcoming biases in hiring practices [00:24:03] The class ceiling [00:25:35] Changing workplace dynamics [00:31:20]
Access the podcast transcript here. In this episode, we chat with Tim Campbell, head of global citizenship at AMS and winner of the first series of TV show The Apprentice. Talking to Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie, Campbell describes his own entrepreneurial journey, his passion for future talent initiatives and his belief in apprenticeships as a viable option for young people. They discuss the importance of future-proofing young people's skill sets, the need to promote greater diversity in the workforce, and the role of businesses in informing the education system about employers' needs. Episode timestamps Campbell describes his entrepreneurial journey [00:01:23] The value and appeal of apprenticeships [00:02:43] Future-proofing young people's skill sets [00:04:53] Promoting greater diversity in the workforce [00:07:43] Can apprenticeships help with diversity in talent pipelines? [00:10:18] Personal career progression – Campbell's experiences and challenges [00:12:02] Winning The Apprentice [00:15:31] Childhood Heroes [00:18:24]
Access the podcast transcript here. Tracy Groves, CEO and founder of Intelligent Ethics, shares her expertise in corporate conduct and ethics with Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie. Groves emphasises the importance of trustworthiness in leadership and the need for leaders to be authentic and engage at a transformational level. She also addresses the issue of harassment in the workplace, the role of technology in building trust and respect, and the generational aspect of the #MeToo movement. Episode timestamps The importance of trustworthiness in leadership, and how leaders can be authentic and engage at a transformational level [00:02:06] A growing trust deficit between business and society, and how it may be a crisis of leadership rather than a crisis of trust [00:04:06] The reaction of business to #MeToo [00:06:29] Creating a respectful workplace – the four blocks of the Strategic Relationships Management Framework [00:07:55] The #MeToo mvement and generational attitudes [00:10:18] Using technology to build trust [00:12:25]
Access the podcast transcript here. In this episode, David Brewin, a partner at EY, shares his experiences of struggling with detachment and depression for most of his adult life – and suffering a breakdown in 2010. He talks to Future Talent Learning's Karam Filfilan about the importance of seeking help and the value of self-reflection, and provides insights into the challenges of managing mental health in high-pressure work environments. Episode timestamps Brewin's background and breakdown [00:00:20] How Brewin lost his ability to think clearly [00:03:43] A disconnect between head and heart [00:08:02] Learning to listen to emotions [00:11:00] The value of group sessions [00:12:12] The Importance of self-reflection [00:16:13] The Impact of technology on mental health [00:19:03] The responsibility of leaders and organisations to model healthy behaviour [00:21:39] How to take care of yourself [00:24:33] Advice for those who are struggling [00:29:35]
Access the podcast transcript here. In this episode, EY's Harvey Lewis, a data scientist (and real-life rocket scientist), urges leaders to look at talent in conjunction with technology. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's Tom Ritchie, he outlines how EY uses AI in its tax practice to help people to their jobs more efficiently and effectively. He also discusses the potential dangers of automation and the importance of governance and trust in AI. Episode timestamps Harvey Lewis talks about the importance of staying up to date with technology [00:02:30] The impact of technology on organisations and talent [00:07:37] The Importance of looking at talent in conjunction with technology [00:09:06] Examples of AI in EY's tax practice [00:11:56 Reaping the benefits of AI in tax compliance [00:14:50] Why leaders need to understand AI [00:18:44] The impact of automation on people's working lives [00:20:05] The skills people need to co-exist with AI [00:27:00] The importance of deepening our existing knowledge [00:28:05]
Access the podcast transcript here. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's Tom Richie, Geoff McDonald, former global vice president of HR at Unilever, shares his personal struggles with mental ill health. He talks about stigma and suggests practical steps organisations can take to support employee wellbeing – including investing in education and recognising energy as a driver of performance. Episode timestamps Geoff McDonald shares his personal struggles with mental ill health at work 00:01:09] McDonald talks about seeking support from fellow campaigner Alister Campbell to help normalise mental health in the workplace [00:04:16] Tackling the 'double stigma' around mental health in the workplace [00:06:11] Improving wellbeing at Unilever [00:07:26] Stigma and lack of education [00:09:49] Education and shifting the narrative [00:12:27] The four factors of wellbeing [00:15:45] Energy as a driver of performance [00:17:44] Enhancing organisational wellbeing [00:19:53]
Access the podcast transcript here. Writer and strategist Alistair Campbell talks to Future Talent Learning's CEO Jim Carrick-Birtwell about leadership and the showmanship of winning. He shares his own journey towards openness around mental health, and emphasises the role employers play in supporting wellbeing and embracing different perspectives. Episode timestamps Writing Winners and learning from other walks of life [00:01:36] The need for a restless, innovative mindset in politics [00:07:50] Campbell's drive to win and do more [00:11:39] The showmanship of winning [00:14:23] Campbell's journey towards openness about mental health [00:15:53] The employer's role in supporting mental health [00:21:13] Implementing mental health first aid [00:24:27] Embracing different perspectives [00:28:39] Heroes - from Mandela to Shakespeare [00:32:00] Becoming more reflective [00:34:04]
Access the podcast transcript here. We talk to physician and neuroscientist Dr Alan Watkins, founder of leadership consultancy Complete, about the impact of digital transformation on leaders. In conversation with Future Talent Learning's CEO Jim Carrick-Birtwell, Watkins explores the implications of AI on jobs, the need for 'polymath integrators' in the workforce, and how leaders can develop the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world. He also highlights the importance of mental and emotional health at work. Episode timestamps The impact of digital transformation on leaders [00:01:09] Implications of AI on jobs and the rise of the 'polymath integrator' [00:04:14] Leaders developing the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world [00:06:41] Why polymath integrators are cruical to modern organisations [00:08:09] The failure of the command-and-control system [00:09:41] Skills not pills: training people to manage their emotional states [00:15:53] Transforming performance through self-awareness [00:16:50]
Access the podcast transcript here. Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe OBE, managing director of consultancy Diversity by Design and a co-founder of LGBT charity Stonewall, talks to Future Talent Learning's Tom Richie about the importance of workplace D&I. They discuss the role of diversity in answering strategic business questions and the need to value individuals' unique differences. Episode timestamps Simon Fanshawe's career journey from comedian to D&I consultant [00:01:23] The importance of learning new skills and embracing change [00:02:40] The role of diversity in answering strategic business questions [00:06:44] How diversity can help organisations adapt to changing markets [00:07:36] Challenges faced by diverse groups in career advancement [00:09:01] Addressing lack of diversity in senior management [00:13:14] The danger of bias in technology [00:18:19] Changing behaviour through engagement in different situations [00:21:42] The Importance of empathy and solidarity [00:23:24] Valuing difference and baking it into organisational processes [00:25:26] Using tech to understand individuals in the workplace [00:27:49]
Access the podcast transcript here. What is curiosity? Why does it matter in the workplace? And what stops us being curious? To answer these questions, Ross G and Ross D are joined by Dr Brennan Jacoby, philosopher and founder of Philosophy at Work, an organisation that helps businesses think their best. Brennan holds a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in philosophy, and his doctoral work analysed trust in the context of interpersonal relationships and corporate character. We discuss: Why curiosity is important How to ask questions, even if it's difficult How to create an environment where curiosity is the norm. Additional Information You can find out more about Brennan at: https://philosophyatwork.co.uk/ Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet is online at: https://www.alyve.org/english/docs/9.1/Rilke-Letters_to_a_Young_Poet.pdf Find out more about wicked problems in: Grint, K. (2010). Wicked problems and clumsy solutions: the role of leadership. In The new public leadership challenge (pp. 169-186). Palgrave Macmillan, London. Available online at: http://leadershipforchange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Keith-Grint-Wicked-Problems-handout.pdf In 'One Thing I Learned This Week', Ross D shared the mystery of where eels come from: https://www.alyve.org/english/docs/9.1/Rilke-Letters_to_a_Young_Poet.pdf Ross G asked if it's time to stop worrying about stress: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/feb/14/the-big-idea-is-it-time-to-stop-worrying-about-stress
Access the podcast transcript here. Why is it important to have a happy team? Can we measure happiness? And what can I do to help make my team happier? To answer these questions, Ross D and Ross G are speaking to world-renowned happiness expert Nic Marks. Nic uses statistics to research workplace culture, measure happiness, and create lasting, positive change. He's the author of A Happiness Manifesto, a TED speaker, and heads up the workplace happiness platform 'Friday Pulse'. We discuss: What we mean by 'happiness' The relationship between happiness, resilience and performance at work Actions that managers can take to build a happier team. Additional Information You can find out more about Nic at: https://nicmarks.org/ For details of Friday Pulse, see: https://fridaypulse.com/ In 'One Thing I Learned This Week', Ross G asked if it is true that an astronaut has to have their appendix removed before going into space: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-astronauts-have-to-have-their-appendix-removed-before-going-into-space Ross D recommended the film C'Mon C'Mon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10986222/
Access the podcast transcript here. Why does good writing matter? What impact does good writing have at work? What tends to go wrong? And how can we, as managers, foster a culture of good writing in our teams? To answer these questions, Nathalie and Ross G are joined by writers John Simmons and Neil Baker. John is an independent writer and brand consultant, whose books include The Invisible Grail and The Dark Angels Trilogy. Neil is a writer and communications consultant, and Associate Poet with Canterbury's Wise Words Festival. Together, they work with businesses, groups and individuals to develop creative writing skills through their Dark Angels workshops. We discuss: The importance of good writing at work Why people are afraid of writing How we can all become better writers. Additional Information You can find out more about Dark Angels at: https://darkangelswriters.com See also their books Dark Angels on Writing and John's We, Me, Them & It: https://darkangelswriters.com/bookshop/ During the discussion, Ross quoted writer Anna Wiener. See: https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/spread-of-corporate-speak.html In 'One Thing I Learned This Week', Nathalie recommended Merlin Sheldrake's Entangled Life: https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life If you were curious, this episode was recorded on June 8, 2022, during the height of the 'Partygate' scandal.
Access the podcast transcript here. How can we become more adaptable? What do we mean by 'adaptability'? And what personal habits can we adopt that will help us? To answer these questions, Nathalie and Ross G are joined by author, speaker and educator Adam Kingl. Adam teaches at business schools around the world, regularly appears in the press, and is the author of Next Generation Leadership. We discuss: 'adaptability' vs 'agility' Why leaders should care about being adaptable The importance of experimentation, openness and slack time. Additional Information You can find out more about Adam at: https://adamkingl.com/ During the discussion, Ross referenced the 'agile manifesto', available online at: https://agilemanifesto.org/ In 'One Thing I Learned This Week', Nathalie discussed the relationship between the ability to recall dreams, and creativity: https://www.psypost.org/2022/05/heightened-dream-recall-ability-linked-to-increased-creativity-and-functional-brain-connectivity-63139 Ross G discussed whether the word 'Viking' is a verb or a noun. In short, he didn't know. See: https://twitter.com/qikipedia/status/850310498503585792, and: https://www.reddit.com/r/Norse/comments/b317j9/where_in_the_world_did_the_myth_that_viking_is_a/
Access the podcast transcript here. What is a 'purpose'? Why is it so important for Generation Y in particular? And how do we create a purpose statement? To answer these questions, Nathalie and Ross G are joined by author, speaker and educator Adam Kingl. Adam teaches at business schools around the world, regularly appears in the press, and is the author of Next Generation Leadership. We discuss: Why purpose is important How to craft a purpose statement Examples of companies with good and bad purpose statements. Additional Information You can find out more about Adam at: https://adamkingl.com/ To read Coca Cola's purpose statement, see: https://investors.coca-colacompany.com/about/our-purpose Adam also recommended the book Firms of Endearment: https://www.firmsofendearment.com/ In 'One Thing I Learned This Week', Ross G discussed Alex Trembath's article on the need to design climate-friendly transportation for everyone, not just the elite: https://www.persuasion.community/p/cars-are-here-to-stay-7d0?s=r