We Are Human Leaders

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Mindfulness Expert Researcher Megan Reitz shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on how we can create more spaciousness in our increasingly busy and complex world. She shares the five fundamental pillars of spaciousness, and some practical insights to begin using these to escape the busyness hamster wheel in your own life.For more, check out the full conversation Escaping the Busyness Trap with Megan Reitz here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exploratory conversation, author, executive coach and expert Muriel Wilkins discusses the concept of leadership blockages, exploring how beliefs can hinder effective leadership. She identifies seven common blockers that leaders face and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and unpacking these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The personal, robust discussion highlights the need for leaders to engage in a continuous journey of self-discovery and exploration, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and effective leadership style.You'll LearnHow Leadership begins with self-awareness and understanding our blockages.Which common beliefs drive behaviors, and recognizing them is crucial for growth.The seven blockers that can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.Why unpacking beliefs is essential for sustainable leadership change.How internal validation is key to overcoming self-doubt in leadership.Why adulting in leadership involves recognizing and managing our beliefs.The back story on why journey of leadership is ongoing and requires continuous reflection.How creating a culture of feedback starts with leaders addressing their own beliefs.How the process of unblocking involves awareness, unpacking, and reframing beliefs.Just why a world of unblocked leaders can lead to more inclusive and effective organizational cultures and healthier societies.Chapters00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages05:05 Exploring the Seven Blockers08:01 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker11:03 The Impact of Fear on Leadership13:59 The Process of Uncovering and Unblocking Beliefs21:58 Exploring Beliefs and Feedback25:41 The Role of Resistance in Leadership27:23 Adult Development and Leadership Maturity30:13 The Importance of Unpacking Beliefs34:06 The Journey of Integration and Behavior Change37:58 The Invisible Adventures of Leadership38:57 Creating a Culture of Unblocked Leaders40:56 Leading with Humanity40:56 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Muriel's work and access the transcript and more right here.Learn more about Human Leadership right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Author and expert on Paradox Thinking, Wendy Smith shares with Alexis and Sally the dangers of either or thinking, and how this can keep us stuck both personally and professionally. She gives us language around what paradox thinking is, and her two key practical strategies to use paradox thinking to open our minds more broadly. For more, check out the full conversation Paradox Thinking: The Ultimate Leadership Hack in Times of Uncertainty with Wendy Smith.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this impactful conversation, Mark C. Crowley unpacks the critical shift from traditional employee engagement metrics to a focus on employee wellbeing. He emphasizes that wellbeing is not merely a perk but a fundamental driver of organizational success. The discussion highlights the importance of regular feedback, managerial accountability, and the role of love and positive emotions in leadership. Mark argues that leaders must understand their values and foster a caring workplace culture to enhance employee performance and satisfaction.You'll learn:Why wellbeing is the driver of organizational flourishing.The backstory on why engagement metrics have not improved over 20 years.How regular feedback is crucial for employee performance.Why wellbeing should not be a perk but a priority.The need for managers to be accountable for their impact on employees.How to create a caring workplace culture that enhances performance.Key reasons leaders should know their values to lead effectively.How trusting employees with autonomy improves wellbeing.Why love and positive emotions are essential in the workplace.The impact of personal accountability for effective leadership.Mark C. Crowley is a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart. He is the host of the acclaimed Lead from the Heart podcast. His new book is The Power of Employee Well-Being: Move Beyond Engagement to Build Flourishing Teams.Explore the episode00:00 The Engagement Dilemma04:56 Rethinking Employee Well-Being07:52 The Shift from Engagement to Well-Being10:50 Understanding the Business Case for Well-Being13:47 Managerial Responsibility in Employee Well-Being16:57 The Importance of Self-Awareness for Leaders24:51 The Journey of Leadership and Self-Discovery25:47 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership30:57 Defining Personal Values and Credo35:12 Loosening Control for Employee Wellbeing40:53 The Role of Love in Leadership47:48 Leading with Humanity47:48 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Mark's work and where to get his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/should-we-ditch-employee-engagementThank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Atlassian’s Dom Price shares with Alexis and Sally his predictions on how radically different the world of work will look in the next ten years thanks to technology and AI.For more, check out the full conversation AI And The Future Of Work with Atlassian Futurist Dom Price at the link in the show notes.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this We Are Human Leaders conversation, author and organizational psychologist Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic shares insights from his latest book: Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead).We discuss the complexities of authenticity in leadership, emphasizing that the common advice to 'just be yourself' can be misleading. He explores the psychological underpinnings of self-perception, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the traps associated with pursuing authenticity.This inspiring discussion highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their impact on others and to cultivate a balance between self-awareness and pro-social behavior. And, the conversation calls for a redefinition of authenticity that includes the potential for growth and change.You'll Learn:How authenticity is often misinterpreted in leadership contexts.Why self-deception is prevalent among leaders, affecting their effectiveness.The science behind how caring about how we impact others is crucial for effective leadership.Why the mantra 'always be true to yourself' can be a trap.How ignoring others' perceptions can lead to ineffective leadership.The reasons why emotional intelligence is essential for navigating interpersonal dynamics.That self-knowledge is a continuous journey, not a destination.Why integrating feedback from others is vital for personal growth.How leaders should sculpt their future selves rather than just amplify their current personas.That authenticity should encompass all possible selves, allowing for growth and evolution.Chapters00:00 The Complexity of Authenticity05:07 The Performative Nature of Self08:00 The Nuances of Leadership and Authenticity10:35 The Dangers of Self-Deception13:32 The Authenticity Traps in Leadership15:42 The Impact of Others' Perceptions18:23 Navigating the Balance of Self and Others23:00 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity and Conflict Avoidance24:22 The Balance of Self-Awareness and Leadership27:27 Emotional Intelligence: A Counterpoint to Authenticity29:15 The Tyranny of the Self in Modern Society34:22 Cultural Values: Individualism vs. Collectivism38:00 Authenticity: Self-Knowledge vs. Community Engagement44:50 The Future of Authenticity in Leadership46:25 Introduction to Human Leadership46:34 Exploring the Essence of Human LeadershipLearn more about the work of Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic including his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/why-authenticity-is-bs-tomas-chamorro-premuzicThank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Professor Ellen Langer shares with Alexis and Sally how to make decisions differently, so that you can find new solutions rather than simply repeat patterns of behaviour which briefly touches on her research into the Illusion of Control. For more, check out the full conversation Mind Body Wisdom and The Illusion of Control with Ellen Langer right here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, we explore a topic that's inescapable right now: disruption.In this dense-with-wisdom conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner sit down with Terence Mauri, a global authority on leadership and disruption. They explore the concept of disruption, emphasizing its role in learning and growth rather than just technology. Terence introduces the DARE framework, which stands for Data, Agility, Risk, and Evolution, as a guide for leaders to navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The discussion highlights the importance of human connection, the risks of over-reliance on technology, and the need for leaders to foster a culture of curiosity and adaptability. Terence also shares some brilliant, actionable insights for leaders to embrace a radically human approach to disruption and organizational change.You'll learn:Disruption is not just a technology story; it's a learning journey.The half-life of skills is decreasing, necessitating continuous learning.Organizations are often trapped in bureaucracy, hindering productivity.Leaders must embrace a mindset of agility and evolution.The DARE framework helps leaders navigate change effectively.Human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.Future readiness requires a balance between present and future focus.Disruption can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.Leaders should prioritize well-being to enhance productivity.Starting before you're ready can lead to meaningful change.Key Chapters00:00 Defining Disruption: A New Perspective06:08 The Half-Life of Skills and Complacency09:12 Risk vs. Opportunity: Embracing Uncertainty12:01 The Radically Human Approach to Disruption14:57 The DARE Framework: A Roadmap for Leaders17:51 Future Readiness: Balancing Today and Tomorrow21:00 Organizational Rewilding: Embracing Human Values23:56 Practical Steps for Leaders: Start Before You're ReadyLearn more about Terence's work and We Are Human Leaders at our show notes https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/befriending-uncertainty-with-terence-mauri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Tracey Spicer shares with Alexis and Sally how organisations can gain a competitive advantage in a challenging labour market through ethical AI. And how to use AI to create Protopia.For more, check out the full conversation Built In Bias: The Potential And Perils Of AI For Leaders And Workplaces with Tracey Spicer.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Busyness is killing productivity and harming workplace culture. Here's how to counter it for amazing results at individual, team and organizational levels.In this conversation, author and expert Megan Reitz discusses the dangers of busyness in modern leadership and the importance of spacious thinking and mindfulness. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster spaciousness, allowing for better decision-making, creativity, and well-being. The discussion covers practical steps to integrate spacious thinking into daily routines and highlights the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.What this episode covers:How Busyness can lead to mental and physical health issues.Why spacious thinking allows for creativity and insight.The fact that mindfulness is often misunderstood in corporate settings.Why creating safety in the workplace is essential for spaciousness.How attention can be trained and should not be left to chance.Taking small pauses in the day can help create spaciousness.Why conflict can lead to new perspectives and insights.The ways the physical environment impacts our thinking and creativity.Why leaders must adapt to the pace of technology by embracing spaciousness.How mindfulness is a practice that requires ongoing effort.Chapters00:00 The Dangers of Busyness07:50 Understanding Mindfulness in the Workplace14:06 The Irony of Productivity and Spaciousness16:29 Exploring Spacious Thinking21:01 The Power of Spaciousness29:19 Creating Space in Leadership37:17 The Future of Work and Spacious Thinking41:29 Practical Steps to Invite SpaciousnessLearn more about Professor Megan Reitz, including where to connect with her, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/escaping-busyness-trap-megan-reitzAs Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Amy Finlay-Jones shares with us how Self-Compassion can help us become a more effective leader, and how we can use this to connect with our team.For more, check out the full conversation with Amy right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/self-compassion-amy-finlay-jonesFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insight-packed conversation, Stephan Meier discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to the future of work, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He outlines the benefits of an employee-first workplace, including increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Stephan also highlights the shift in perspective where employees are seen as customers, advocating for organizations to apply customer-centric strategies to enhance employee experiences. Real-world examples, such as H.E.B. and Costco, illustrate the success of employee-centric practices. The discussion touches on the concept of quiet quitting and the need for leaders to actively listen to their employees to drive engagement. Finally, Stephan shares strategies for humanizing work and motivating employees through personalized experiences and continuous learning.What you'll learnThe future of work must be human-centric.Technology should augment human capabilities, not replace them.An employee-first workplace increases productivity and innovation.Employees are the new customers, deserving of attention and care.Real-world examples show the success of employee-centric organizations.Quiet quitting has been a long-standing issue, not just a pandemic phenomenon.Listening to employees is crucial for engagement and improvement.Removing bureaucratic barriers can enhance employee experience.Personalized experiences can motivate employees and reduce turnover.Investing in employee experience is essential for long-term success.Stephan Meier is one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of behavioral economics, corporate strategy and future of work. He is currently the James P. Gorman Professor of Business Strategy and the Chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He is the author of “THE EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive”. He is an award-winning teacher at Columbia, and every year hundreds of students learn from him about the “human side” of strategy in Columbia’s MBA and executive education programs.To learn more about Stephan Meier and We Are Human Leaders visit www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/employee-experience-stephan-meier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Martin Gutmann shares with us How History's Unseen Leaders Light the Way and the hero’s journey narrative that pervades how we think about leadership.For more, check out the full conversation with Martin here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/the-unseen-leader-martin-gutmannFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Workplace relationships are a natural part of being human. Neither good or bad, they’re inevitable.In the wake of the Coldplay Jumbotron scandal, workplace relationships — especially cheating and affairs — have been thrust into the spotlight. And everyone seems to have their own opinion on them, so we decided to ask a relationship psychologist for some advice.In this conversation, relationship psychologist Rachel Voysey discusses the complexities of romantic relationships and friendships in the workplace. The discussion covers the inevitability of workplace relationships, the challenges of infidelity, and the importance of communication and empathy in navigating these dynamics. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to approach these situations with compassion and understanding, recognizing the human element involved in workplace relationships.This is one of the most personal, open-hearted and revealing episodes we've ever done on the podcast. You won't want to miss it.What you’ll learn:Why workplace relationships occur, and how we can manage them personally and professionally.Why infidelity in the workplace occurs, often stemming from emotional needs rather than just desire.How transparency and honesty are crucial in navigating workplace relationships.Tips for Leaders should to approach relationship issues with compassion and understanding.How to navigate friendship breakdowns from misunderstandings and lack of communication.Proactive communication tips to prevent toxic dynamics in workplace relationships.How to maintain boundaries in workplace relationships to avoid discomfort.If you'd like to learn more about Rachel Voysey, or Human Leaders find our show notes here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/romance-cheating-bffs-relationships-rachel-voysey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Amy Gallo shares with us her top tips for dealing with Passive Aggressive people, and what is really driving this behaviour.For more, check out the full conversation with Amy at the link here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/working-with-difficult-people-amy-galloFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How we work today, isn’t how we’ll work tomorrow. Here’s what a world-leading Work Futurist told us about AI and the future of work.In this conversation, We Are Human Leaders hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the profound changes in work culture brought about by the pandemic, the resurgence of old management practices, and the need for flexibility and trust in the future of work with Atlassian's Work Futurist Dom Price.We explore the role of AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a weapon, emphasizing the importance of redesigning organizational systems to accommodate new technologies. Dom also highlights the agency of middle managers in driving change and the significance of sustainable, incremental improvements over dramatic transformations.In this conversation, Dom shares his thoughts around the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the importance of co-designing sustainable partnerships, redefining productivity, and focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. We discuss the need for trust in low-trust environments (and how to build it), the courage to seek feedback, and essential leadership skills for the future. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business and the necessity for a complete overhaul of education to keep pace with societal changes.What the episode covers:The pandemic acted as a catalyst for change in work practices, and how old management behaviour's are resurfacing post-pandemic.Flexibility and trust are essential in the future of work.AI is often viewed as a weapon rather than a tool, how organizations need to redesign systems to accommodate AI.Sustainable change comes from small, incremental steps, how to focus on continuous improvement rather than dramatic transformations.Redefining productivity to focus on outcomes.Leaders must balance process with genuine care for people and how storytelling helps them connect to people.The future of work will be significantly different due to AI, but rediscovering humanity in the workplace is essential. Businesses should focus on solving customer problems, not just profit.Learn more about Atlassian Work Futurist Dom Price, including where to connect with him right here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/ai-future-of-work-atlassian-dom-priceAs Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith shares with us the seven key types of rest we all need, and how rest is distinctly different from sleep.For more, check out the full conversation with Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/resttosuccessFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More often than not, the people we lead aren’t like us. Whether by gender, race, culture, or generation, the workplace is a melting pot of difference and leading people who aren’t like you is critical to success. So how do we do it? Enter Ally Leadership. A step away from performative and outdated leadership, and a stem into truly understanding, and getting the most from the brilliant human you lead.In today’s conversation we speak to Stephanie Chung, a pioneering woman of color in the aviation sector. As an aviation trailblazer, Stephanie has 35 years of aviation experience, from a baggage handler to being the first African-American private aviation company president. And she’s now a #1 International Best Selling author with her new book, and the topic of our conversion today: Ally Leadership, How To Lead People Who Are Not Like You.This conversation is practical, insightful and jam-packed with Stephanie’s personal career wisdom–from highlights to trials and tribulations. Now more than ever the world needs leaders who’re ready to listen-up and learn, leaders like you.Learn more about Stephanie Chung, including where to get her book at our shownotes page: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/allied-lead-people-different-from-you-stephanie-chung Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Heather Younger shares with us her definition of active listening and the 5 aspects of how to be an amazing active listener.For more, check out the full conversation with Heather right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/activelisteningFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaders face unpreceded rates if change, volatility and uncertainty right now. Here’s the six skills they need to meet these challenges and succeed.In this episode, Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke discuss the pressing challenges leaders face in today's volatile environment, focusing on technological disruption, geopolitical tensions and navigating the complexities of modern work environments, and the six critical skills leaders need to adopt to handle these uncertain times. Right now leaders have their work cut out for them, but we're here to help.In this episode Alexis and Sally emphasize the necessity for leaders to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptability while addressing the evolving expectations of the workforce. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication, strategic visioning, EQ, empathy and purpose-driven leadership, and fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation highlights how these skills can enhance team outcomes, build trust, and create a psychologically safe workplace. They offer specific and practical advice on how to integrate the skills in a practical everyday way so leaders understand how and where they can make change.To learn more, or to get support from Human Leaders to upskill your leadership visit us at our show notes: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/leadership-challenges-2025-alexis-zahner-sally-clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.