Denise White-Hughes, head of employee relations with LIDL Ireland and Northern Ireland joins our host William Corless to discuss mediation in relation to employee relations.  In this episode Denise highlights the benefits and cost savings the mediation has brought Lidl. Lidl's learnings about implementing mediation in a large organisation Examples where mediation has worked with a real life scenario and the positive outcomes from a complaint on banter was made. Her experience of mediation Where conflict is inevitable and how to best manager conflict. This episode was sponsored by the Mediation Foundation of Ireland. Europes premier provider of mediation training. www.mfi.ie  

Our host William Corless is joined by Dr Rasphal K Dhensa-Kahlon, an organisational psychologist with Birkbeck, University of London. In this episode we discuss trauma of the pandemic, terrors attacks and the impact on leaders in the workplace. Of interest to people will be how compassion and self care are crucial, along with sense making as people return to the workplace. Rashpal conducts research into how individuals manage challenging issues that can have a major impact on their lives both at work, and outside it. This includes studies of individuals who have been mistreated at work, those who are faced with inequality and individuals who are witness to traumatic societal events (such as terror attacks). She has a particular interest in individual adjustment in the face of adversity, include processes around healing, care and growth.  

Cali Yost (Futurist, Strategist, Author, Speaker) joins our host William Corless to discuss returning to the workplace. With the recent relaxation of restrictions Cali offers insights and guidance for employers and employees on best practice. Cali has over 27 years of experience in flexible and remote workplace and is globally recognised as an expert in the future of work. In this episode Cali provides insights on: Reimagining work which is a deliberate process which has fundamentally changed Pitfalls to avoid and a call to urgent action, much like the initial response to the pandemic Global CEO's and investment communities prioritising the new way of working. The old way of working is gone. Focus on supporting people and equipping people with skills Creating a flexible dynamic for an intergenerational workforce Designing a culture of shared leadership with trust and accountability Employers not to be afraid of asking people what they want Having guard rails to reset the new reality of work

Naomi Shragai, Author of The 'Man Who Mistook his Job for His Life' Executive Coach, Business Psychotherapist and Journalist; joins our host William Corless to discuss her book. A quote from the book provides a glimpse of what to expect from this podcast. "The workplace is a theatre where everyone is acting out their own unique family drama while simultaneously attempting to co-operate and deliver results." In this podcast we cover topics such as: Workaholics Understanding emotions and behaviours in the workplace Being responsible for your behaviours in the workplace Enhance emotional intelligence by framing emotions as part of a continuum Dealing with a micro-manager Self defeating behaviours such as people pleasing Naomi Shragai graduated from the University of Southern California and completed her training as a systemic psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic, London. She has more than 30 years’ experience as a psychotherapist and family therapist in private practice, as well as working in the NHS and private hospitals. She now specialises in helping businesses and individuals resolve psychological obstacles that cause work-related problems. She practices from her consulting room in North West London, and is also available for consultations on video or at your place of work. As a freelance journalist she has written for The Times and The Guardian and since 2008 has been a regular contributor to the Financial Times, where she writes predominantly about the psychological aspects of working life. Her first book, The Man Who Mistook his Job for his Life, is published in August 2021.  

Sally Helgesen, cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, is an internationally best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. She is ranked number 6 among the world’s top 30 leadership thinkers by Global Gurus and number one coach for women leaders by Thinkers50/ 100 Coaches. Sally joins our host William Corless to discuss Women in Leadership, where we discuss her book "How Women Rise". In this episode we discuss how women rise through the lens of the pandemic and the added challenges that it brings. Topics of discussion include: Habits that may hinder success  Putting your job before your career Impact of the pandemic and the long term consequences for female leadership The great reckoning and rethinking our priorities The flexible workplace Can you have it all - a successful career and a happy family life The Sandwich generation Conversations with your life partner Sally’s most recent book, How Women Rise, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith, became the best-seller in its category within a week of publication and has been translated into 17 languages. Previous books include The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership, hailed as a classic and continuously in print since 1990; The Female Vision: Women’s Real Power at Work, which explores how women’s strategic insights can strengthen their careers; and The Web of Inclusion, cited in The Wall Street Journal as one of the best books on leadership of all time and credited with bringing the language of inclusion into business. Click on the link https://allrise.substack.com To hear more about Sally's new book and to gain more insights from her newsletters  

Mediation pioneer and trailblazer Michael Lang joins the Workplace Podcast.For over 40 years Michael has mediated family, workplace and organizational disputes. He has designed and presented introductory and advanced mediation and conflict management courses, workshops and webinars in the US and internationally.   Michael joins our host and fellow mediator William Corless to shares his vast wealth of experience. Michael share his insights on:  Hallmarks of mastery in mediation including curiosity Insights into reflective practice and understanding the fundamentals How to have confidence in your competence Demonstrating mediator presence- What to do if you get stumped in a mediation   Michael created one of the first graduate programs in conflict resolution in the US at Antioch University in 1992 and served in a similar role at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. He has authored The Practitioners Guide to Reflective Practice in Conflict Resolution (2019) and co-authored The Making of a Mediator: Developing Artistry in Practice, (2000).  He is the co-creator and co-editor with his Irish colleague, Peter Nicholson, of Living Together, Separating, Divorcing: Surviving During a Pandemic (2020) and Family Conflict During a Pandemic: Stories of Struggle and Hope (2021). Michael has created a video series, In Their Voices, www.thereflectivepractitioner.com/video-conversations. Michael currently facilitates 8 monthly online reflective practice groups for mediators, including a group of Irish mediators. This episode was sponsored by The Mediation Foundation of Ireland, Europe's premier mediation training provider. To become a mediator or enhance your mediation practice through continuous professional development click on www.mfi.ie   

Ken Cloke is a world-recognized mediator, dialogue facilitator, conflict resolution systems designer, teacher, public speaker,  author of numerous books and articles, and a pioneer and leader in the field of mediation and conflict resolution for over 40 years. In this extensive episode our host William Corless speaks with fellow mediator Ken Cloke. William and Ken explore what it takes to practice masterful mediation. A range of aspects are covered in this episode: Holistic approach to mediation - where theory meets emotional intelligence Omni-partiality- where the mediators is being on both parties sides Radical Acceptance Skilful Questioning Our relationship with conflict Conflict in teams The role in mediation in a hybrid organisation Using clean language Conflict resolution system design The costs of conflict to an organisation This episode was sponsored by The Mediation Foundation of Ireland, Europe's premier provider of certified mediation training. To become certified as a mediator contact MFI via the website www.mfi.ie 

Loretta Dignam CEO of The Menopause Hub joins our host William Corless to discuss why menopause matters in the workplace. Loretta takes an evidence based approach to focus on the impact on women and the workplace. Loretta was blindsided by her own experience and with a focus on gender equality, she is passionate that no one should suffer like she did. She wants to short cut this journey for others and demystify this for women and employers. This is done through education and taking the fear out of these conversations. Over 570,000 women at anyone time will be going through menopause at anyone time Over 350,000 of those women will be in the workplace Research shows that 80% of women are unprepared for menopause. 66% of women no little or nothing about menopause There are 37 symptoms of menopause 25% will have dehabilitating symptoms Much like the focus on mental health over the last decade, Loretta is focused on what the future will look like and women health being at the forefront of wellbeing initiatives much like mental health is today. We also explore how women can have a better quality of life, how the workplace can support. We also gain insights on what managers and employers can do.   World Menopause day is October 18th  #HeForShe https://www.themenopausehub.ie    

Wendy Ryan, the CEO at Kadabra, speaker, advisor and facilitator joins the workplace podcast. As an advocate for equity & inclusion, Wendy is the author of "Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act and Inspire Your Way to Greatness". Her book has received from Marshall Goldsmith "Brave, compelling and thoroughly original". Sally Helgesen, author of "How Women Rise" stated she found valuable lessons in each chapter. The conversation between our host William Corless and Wendy Ryan explores aspects of her book utilising the learn, lead lift framework™. These include the different lenses that are imperative to look through when leading. DEPTH - Demographics, Extreme Weather, Pandemic, Technological, Health IEAT - to reflect on your day - Did I demonstrate Inclusiveness, Equity, Authenticity, Trauma informed The VUCA context and what leader's should consider as part of their leadership style The various dimensions we need to explore and what it means to be a healthy leader and safety in the workplace How to get authenticity right Kindness with candour and how to get the balance right Inclusivity at work Implications of decision making Avoiding stagnation in systems thinking in a respectful way The 3T Model™ -  Ryan developed this empowering mindset for leaders, which supports decision making and resource allocation by Tolerating, Transforming or Transcending. For more information on Wendy Ryan's approach check out her website https://www.learnleadlift.com Wendy and her talented team are also available via https://www.wearekadabra.com/wendy/      

Fiona Buckley, a work behaviourist and International Key Note speaker joins the workplace podcast to discuss the evolution of coaching through the pandemic. This special episode was broadcast live from the 10th annual EMCC conference. EMCC, The European Mentoring and Coaching Council has over ten thousand members globally. Fiona who is an executive, empowerment and performance coach, discusses the trends, insights and experiences from  the 250+ coaching sessions delivered during the pandemic alone) Fiona was perfectly poised when the pandemic abruptly turned our working lives upside down, as she isHybrid/Virtual work expert. Fiona is also the Dublin Solo Business Winner 2021.

Sonata Kucin joins our host William Corless to discuss creating a culture of mentoring in the workplace. Sonata is a Mentoring Culture Consultant, Program Manager, Mentor, Conference speaker, a member of the International Mentoring Association  (IMA) and European Mentoring and Coaching Council  (EMCC). More than ten years ago, Sonata started her Mentoring Journey.One day at work, she was trying to solve a problem that she had with her team. She realized that the reason for this was one Mentor. Then Sonata acknowledged how powerful Mentoring is. In both ways. Positive and negative.So, she has faced the negative impact of Mentoring, and, as a manager, she had to do something. Sonata decided to look more deeply at what Mentoring is. There she started. She designs Mentoring programs or collaborates in building a Mentoring Culture for different companies. In this episode we gain insights on the following: Peer mentoring Mentoring vs coaching Reverse mentoring Being a champion and an advocate Benefits of mentoring What organisations can learn about implementing a culture of mentoring Choosing your mentor wisely Mentor selection criteria Managing expectations of the mentor relationship Supports for the mentors themselves Ideal mentoring programme Listener Giveaway. Sonata is offering a free 30 min consultations for the first five companies who will contact her after listening to this podcast.   More about Sonata Kucin you can find on her website www.mentoring-culture.com

Neil Mullarkey, co-founder of the Comedy Store Players with Mike Myers joins us on the workplace podcast joins us to discuss improv and his book  “Seven steps to improve your people skills”. Neil has appeared on television shows Have I Got News For You, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Saturday Live and QI as well as the Austin Powers movies. Neil an executive coach and facilitator has been teaching improv and leadership for over 20 years,.   Neil provides our listeners with the origins of improv, how it developed and it’s application in the world of work. What is improv How improv enhances your presence We expose the myth that improv is winging it How improve improves communication Networking tips Improv allows is to be flexible and improve our interpersonal skills through seven steps Learn Look Listen Link Let Lighten Leave   Neil has become synonymous with bringing the agility and innovation of improvisation to the boardrooms and sales teams of the world’s biggest corporations; transforming businesses from the inside by encouraging communication, collaboration, engagement and creativity, and simplifying some of the most complex of problems into the most compelling of solutions. Be it designing bespoke workshops through to immersing himself in individual executive coaching on communication skills, Neil is now helping businesses across the globe communicate better, build high performing teams and deliver genuine, tangible results. For more information: https://neilmullarkey.com

Sertrice Grice, an industrial organisational psychologist joins our host William Corless to discuss how we can support people of colour in the workplace. Sertrice has deep experience helping complex, global organizations interpret organizational data and create action plans that help drive meaningful change. Sertrice writes and presents frequently on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and is passionate about helping clients build cultures focused on anti-racism and allyship. In this episode we discover where organisations can improve their approach to diversity and inclusion while also giving people insights on how they can practice allyship. This episode covers the following area's: An evidence based approach for organisations to utilise the data and interpret hard numbers Potential pitfalls in the employee life cycles where organisations can improve What to look for in D& I diagnostics Where discrimination occurs in the workplace especially around promotions Unconscious bias People who are eager to make a difference and don't know how Micro aggressions and micro affirmations Lived experiences and what people should avoid in conversations Sertrice is offering a 50% discount on an AllyUp Udemy Course. Click on the link below for more details.   https://www.mattinglysolutions.com/workplace-podcast

Colin James is one of Australia’s most respected and well-known keynote speakers and facilitators; his deeply engaging, humorous and provocative presentations are the highlight of any conference. He excels at imparting practical skills and workable knowledge – whilst making the whole audience howl with laughter! Winner of Australian Educator of the Year in 2008, Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year in 2020, and voted the highest-rated speaker at all global Gartner conferences in 2019 - scoring higher than both Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek. In this episode Colin and our host William will explore: The role of storytelling in business The no slides approach and how to avoid death by PowerPoint Engaging your audience by using skilful language and vocabulary with eloquence Creating memorable presentation and the role of sketch noting on a Flipchart  Dealing with nerves Preparation of your presentation and refining your style Colin has kindly offered a free Ebook and webinar for our listeners Ebook - https://bit.ly/3sDaXJ2  Free webinar recording - https://bit.ly/3n4jzY0   A gifted cartoonist, he is never far from his trusty flip-chart and pens; his drawing providing a unique and welcome diversion from the influx of PowerPoint presentations that soak up the imagination of your audiences fast.  With 30-years’ experience in 34 countries globally his experience and unique style set him apart. Whether it is speaking to a crowd of 10,000 as he did in 2012 at the United Nations Conference or facilitating a small group of 20 CEO’s and executives to ensure that their contributions are superb and profoundly relevant - he leaves a lasting impression

Professor Connson Locke of the London School of Economics joins the Workplace podcast to discuss Making your voice heard -How to own your space, access your inner power and become influential. During this podcast we discuss influencing upwards and why it matters, personality type and introversion, the difference culture and gender makes plus we dive into imposter syndrome and the role of personal power. Listeners are in a chance to win a copy of her new book:  Making Your Voice Heard, which uses the research on power and influence to help people speak up to those who have more power than they do.  https://connsonlocke.com/ Professor Locke teaches Leadership, Organizational Behaviour, and Negotiation and Decision Making.  Connson has over 30 years’ experience as an educator, coach, and consultant working in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Australia. Prior to entering academia, she served as Regional Training and Development Manager for the Boston Consulting Group where she was responsible for the learning and development of consulting staff in 10 offices across Asia Pacific. Connson holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Business Administration (Organizational Behaviour) from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. in Sociology from Harvard University where she graduated with honours. 

Deborah Grayson Riegel is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant who teaches leadership communication for Wharton Business School, Duke Corporate Education, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and the Beijing International MBA Program at Peking University. She writes for Harvard Business Review, Inc., Psychology Today, Forbes, and Fast Company, and has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, Oprah Magazine, and The New York Times. She is the author of "Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life" and consults and speaks for clients including Amazon, BlackRock, Google, KraftHeinz, PepsiCo, and The United States Army. Deborah joins our host William Corless the workplace podcast to discuss gossip in the workplace. We understand why we do this  and what we can do when we need to deal with gossip. Deborah offers expertise on delivering feedback. You can find Deborah online at www.deborahgraysonriegel.com.

Richard Wentworth-Ping (Facilitator, Executive Coach and Consultant) joins the workplace podcast to share over 30 years of his experience of Learning and Development (L&D). A truth sayer with his direct  communication style especially towards trends in L&D. Richard provides his learnings that will help organisations make learning more effective. Changing behaviours, changing mindsets, changing cultures, changing the way people lead, manage and communicate.  Richard's view is that organisations don't change. People change. If enough people in an organisation change, then the organisation is changed, as is the culture. Richard is not convinced by the idea that change has to be hard, nor that 70% of change initiatives fail. Change can be achieved and there's plenty of evidence it can be enjoyable.  The way to develop capability, build habits, change behaviours and impact the business results and metrics that matter is very like getting fit: the person who wants to get fit has to do the work and exercise. The personal trainer can provide input, methodology, encouragement, support but the sit ups are yours to do. This podcast is essential listening for people interested in Learning and Development for rethinking learning in the workplace.

Professor Claire Gubbins,  Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management, Dublin City University joins the workplace podcast. We discuss the importance of social networks and relationships in a hybrid workplace.  Claire is an expert in social capital, tacit knowledge and social learning in organisations.  With so many changes happening in the workplace, are we setting people up for success. Who are the key people that we must value highly due to their tacit knowledge, connection people and processes. With a return to the workplace on the horizon, we discuss the importance of these key people, especially with new hires facing an arduous task of embedding themselves into a team. Many benefits will result from the learnings provided by Professor Gubbins such as tactic knowledge streams, talent retention, productivity and employee engagement.

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, the first naval officer in the Irish State to serve as Chief of Staff, having previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Navy. Holder of a Doctorate in Political Science and a Masters in Government and Public Policy, Admiral Mellett has a keen interest in research with a focus on European security, innovation, diversity and values-based leadership Admiral Mellett share his leadership insights and the lessons from a career in serving the public good for over 40 years of military service. In this refreshing podcast, we cover leadership related topics and valuable nuggets  on humility & ego, what is means to cede power to gain power,  vulnerability, mental health, collaboration & innovation, reciprocity and what authority actually means.

David Robert Grimes is a physicist, cancer researcher, and author. His work encompasses everything from how tumours use oxygen to the impact of disinformation and conspiracy theory on public understanding. He has a strong focus on public understanding of science and medicine, contributing to BBC, RTE, The New York Times, The Guardian, Scientific American, The Irish Times, and PBS. He received the 2014 Maddox prize, and his first book, “The Irrational Ape - why we fall for disinformation, conspiracy theory, and propaganda” is out now from Simon & Schuster UK.  David joins to workplace to provide insight through story telling to what critical thinking is. David joins our host William Corless to discuss how critical thinking impacts so much of everyday life, including the workplace. In this wide ranging discussion we cover subject matters on toxic masculinity, cognitive biases, gender balance, team and leadership behaviours, group think, mansplaining, social media polarisation and decision making.  This enjoyable and thought provoking podcast highlights the pitfalls we can avoid and tips on how to become a more effective critical thinker. 

Stuart Woollard joins our host William Corless to discuss the Mature organisation, a fascinating perspective on how organisations can utilise a model for responsible capitalism. Stuart co-designed the OMINDEX® organisational health diagnostic, pioneering work in linking human 'intangibles' (e.g. corporate culture, governance, human capital, and management systems) through ESG to value and risk. Stuart also co-authored a book "The Mature Corporation - a Model of Responsible Capitalism"   This episode on the Mature organisation we shine a light on what total stakeholder value means and how it can be at the heart of stakeholder purpose. There are many gains and benefits by truly understanding that human beings are fundamental sources of value. Managing people as a source of value and not a cost, not just employees; but all the way along the supply chain  - suppliers, customers, local community all the touchpoints of the organisation. Understanding the whole human system will realise the value of all those working relationships. Where people really feel valued with fairness and dignity, this will incorporate Human Rights, slavery, child labour and whistle blowing. Stuart discusses ESG- Environmental Social Governance which replaces Corporate Social Responsibility, which in now integrated into corporate strategy. We mention organisations like Toyota, BooHoo.com, Amazon, Volkswagen, BP, Patagonia, PG&E, Walmart, Mercadona, Boeing, Good Jobs First, Apple and many more. Stuart articulates that shareholder value will increase if we improve how we manage stakeholder value. Stuart also talks about his work with equity analysts and fund managers, where he demonstrates the value of this approach and how they changed their perspective on risk. Stuart also discusses his collaborations with Cambridge University and the Harvard Law and Business Schools which provided a greater understanding of  what a healthy culture looks like.   Here is the Youtube video of Stuart presenting his model, to the DCU leadership talent summit as  mentioned in the podcast: https://youtu.be/mIelnnlRsOQ  

Professional Footballer and Captain of Liverpool F.C Women as well as an established senior international for the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team with close to 100 caps. Her career to date focused on earning a third level education while continuing to progress my football career. This has led me to attain an MSc in Pharmacology and also playing professional football in Ireland, England and France over a 14 year period. Niamh joins the workplace podcast to share her insights on being a trailblazer, gender balance and how to fulfil your potential. This episode is thought provoking and inspiring as Niamh did not always see herself as a trailblazer. Niamh provides insights into the challenges she faced in her career to date. For all those who are inspired by trailblazers this is a must listen from one humble person, as Niamh speaks about becoming captain of the club she supported as a child.

Jennifer Meffert of Deloitte Global, is a global onboarding experience manager. Jennifer joins our host William Corless to discuss onboarding remotely. Onboarding remotely became the norm during the pandemic, this became a major challenge for organisations across the world.  Jennifer is passionate about creating meaningful moments - specifically focused from the moment a candidate signs an offer letter. Adopting the latest terminology of “experience architect”, Jennifer spends her days enhancing the onboarding experience for Deloitte Global. She has informed and influenced every moment along the candidate to employee lifecycle as an HR partner or consultant.  Jennifer believes the most important moment along the employee lifecycle is often dismissed, the job offer is accepted and equipment is setup, but the rest of the onboarding process is inconsistent at best. She hopes to show how everyone in a company plays a role in creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment  for New Hires. In this episode we share insights and research on how organisations can improve their onboarding experience. Organisations can often be blind to the negative impact on the organisation and the new hire, by not placing a focus on remote onboarding. Jennifer highlights the opportunities for organisations with some practical tips. Some statistics might be thought provoking.   Gallup 12% of employees strongly agree that their company does a great job at onboarding. This presents a huge opportunity for improvement 😊. Yet also says the bar is low and it should be easy to stand out among the crowd if you do it well. GREAT EMPLOYEE ONBOARDING CAN IMPROVE EMPLOYEE RETENTION BY 82% 88% OF ORGANIZATIONS ‍DON'T ONBOARD WELL MOST ORGANIZATIONS ONLY FOCUS ON WEEK 1 OF ONBOARDING THE AVERAGE NEW HIRE ONBOARDING EXPERIENCE CONSISTS OF 54 ACTIVITIES 87% SAY BUDDY PROGRAMS BOOST NEW HIRE PROFICIENCY   Global Onboarding Experience Leaders (LinkedIn Group) https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9052268/   Links for books mentioned in the podcast include: https://heathbrothers.com/the-power-of-moments/ https://www.priyaparker.com/thebook

Neil Walshe, Associate Professor, Organisational Psychology, University of San Francisco joins his former school friend William Corless on the workplace podcast. In this episode we discuss organisational culture pre and post pandemic. What does organisational culture mean? How does culture work in remote environment? Neil brings his evidence based approach and his insights on the differing views of organsational culture. Realisations from the pandemic, which Neil describes as the great equaliser. We discuss how companies are changing they way they work forever. We cover collaboration, assumptions made and how companies are now encouraged to be fluid on how they perceive culture. We also focus on the drivers of culture, internal values and external facing values. What are the measures of success of organisational culture and why need to invest in culture…. or not! (Spoiler alert: you do - invest in facilitation)   Resources mentioned in the podcast: https://cebma.org https://scienceforwork.com https://www.neilwalshe.com

Brian Pennie, consultant, lecturer, radio host and author (Bonus Time) joins our host William Corless on the workplace podcast. Brian discusses his journey from being chronically addicted to heroin for fifteen years to embrace a second chance at life. This thoroughly engaging podcast provides insights on coping techniques and explores the relationship between trauma, addiction and bad habits. Brian shares his learnings and also snippets from his PhD research. Brian has developed his own programme for life, which others can practice self observations and make more value based decisions.

Gordon D'Arcy, COO of Kids Speech Labs and former Irish international rugby player,  joins our host William Corless on the Workplace podcast. Gordon discusses the informal leader, the oft undervalued member of a high performing team or organisation. Gordon provides his insights on his formative years that will help others achieve their potential. William and Gordon also discuss the role of the informal leader within a high performance environment with anecdotes from his former managers and team mates. Many lessons from the sporting and business environment are shared, especially how to create a culture of excellence and the role of candid conversations.  

Spencer Williams (CEO of Westpaw) joins our host William Corless to discuss his approach and ethical manner to leadership. Spencer provides real life examples of radical transparency and candour with his employees of his organisation based in Montana, USA. During the podcast William explores Spencer's approach to radical transparency where a collegial and professional spirit he has naturally built while also developing a culture of improvement. Spencer openly discusses how he deals with pushback to this approach, embracing honest mistakes, demonstrating vulnerability and also holding people to account. Spencer believes his approach avoids disfunction where a useful reframe is used: Transparency protects. This work in practice approach to leadership highlights the importance of courageous conversations where staff are empowered to manage upwards. For those who are curious, we also discuss the boundaries to transparency. This open book management approach to leadership is a must listen podcast. Westpaw.com  

Founding partner of The Mediation Foundation of Ireland, Luke Monahan joins our host William Corless on the workplace podcast to provide insights into workplace mediation. Many senior managers and people in HR have a fear of conflict and fear the mediation process escalates conflict. In this episode, we dispel certain myths about mediation and give people a great understanding of mediation to overcome their reluctance.We cover key principles of mediation such autonomy, confidentiality, impartiality and a voluntary process. We share the keys stages of mediation and the concept of reframing to make mediation more accessible to people in the workplace.This episode promises to provide a different perspective on conflict through a reframe of resolution and away from grievance procedures that many managers are hesitant to address. For more information click on www.mfi.ie  

Executive, team coach and leadership facilitator Dr. Dumi Magadlela joins our host William Corless from Johannesburg. Dumi and William discuss the Zulu philosophy of Ubuntu. We gain an insight into another aspect of leadership with Ubuntu intelligence, that was made prominent by Nelson Mandela. Creating ways of connecting and realising the full potential in your self and others through common humanity. We also discuss how accountability can be addressed within the team context, while enabling people to fulfil their potential through empowerment. Different insights are attained through a cultural lens which promises to leave our listeners with a new perspective on leadership.

World authority on corporate strategy, Andrew Campbell is Director of Ashridge Strategic Management Centre at Ashridge Business School. Andrew discusses with our host William Corless the key elements and consideration of organisational design especially with agility. Andrew is also an authority on organisation design being the person who developed “the nine tests of good organisation design” and with Michael Goold the book “Designing Effective Organisations”. In this episode, he shares many insights to help organisations navigate the current challenges that they face in an agile manner.

Colm Murphy (Executive Coach) joins our host William Corless to discuss teams in organisations. The discussion highlights: The challenges teams face what is a team versus a group? Are decisions made outside of team meetings? What dynamics are at play and the importance of trust. There are many takeaways from this episode as both Colm and William share their experiences of what makes a great team and the importance of how teaming impacts the organisation.

Marty Linsky co-author of "Leading the Line" and former adjunct lecturer in Harvard University joins his former student William Corless (Adaptive Leadership) on the workplace podcast. This episode promises to deliver for struggling leaders as Marty talks about radical uncertainty. The challenge leaders face around the expectations of having to know the answer. Many learnings are shared on: How to communicate in chaos uncertainty, deep empathy, presence and vulnerability, relentless optimism coupled with brutal realism, generosity and forgiveness and how to bring your A game through an experimental approach.

Cali Williams Yost is the leading authority on high performance work flexibility. Cali, a visionary workplace futurist joins William Corless to discuss how people can flex to meet the needs of the new workplace. An authority on flexible working since 2004, this insightful episode provides key elements of what people need to consider when talking about flexible working. Called “one of the most sophisticated thinkers” on the transformation of work by The New York Times, her commentary frequently appears in the media including in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USA TODAY, NPR, and the TODAY Show.    

Kevin Empey, a future of work pragmatist, consultant and author joins our host William Corless to discuss the future of work. In this  episode we discuss what the future of work holds for us covering aspects such as: agility, disruption, lessons from the past and implications for the HR function. 

Sean Blair author and co-author of three books on the Lego Serious Play (LSP) facilitation method, joins fellow LSP facilitator on the podcast. Sean provides an understanding of this facilitation method, the surprising benefits and the importance of play. Myth's are dispelled that it's just fun with a pile of bricks, and as facilitators we discuss the importance of design to meet group learning outcomes. Sean also provides insights into how this facilitation method has adapted online and how to use this method in a covid friendly way.  

Renowned TEDxTalk speaker, bestseller author and expert on leadership & personal development, Dr Karolien Notebaert is this weeks guest. Karolien guides us on our we can better understand neuroscience in an accessible way, by providing memorable insights from her book. We discuss how people can overcome challenges in the workplace and through insights, science and storytelling to show people a path. We talk about the science and evidence in the power of mindfulness, by accessing the default experience networks amongst other neuroscience hacks.

Leading business psychologist Alan Lyons joins William Corless on the podcast to discuss how people can make the most of the challenges presented to us in the current climate. We discuss the various elements of emotional intelligence and how to be yourself more with skills. This episode jam packed with gems of self care, theory, quotes and insights.

Researcher and University lecturer Deirdre Curran from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Deirdre joins our host William Corless to provide insights on fairness and justice at work. We discuss the many aspects of this topic that we should all consider, especially leaders. Our conversation covers the human impact when fairness and justice is absent, the mechanisms at play and also we discuss power imbalance. 

Former Ireland Rugby Captain, Director of Executive Education and CEO, Phillip Matthews joins the podcast to discuss the importance of purpose in leadership. Phillip shares his insights on purpose based on his experience of leadership in sport and business combined with his executive development experience. We cover what purpose means, the various facets of purpose and how you can fulfil your leadership potential by gaining clarity on your purpose.

Siobhan Murray an accredited psychotherapist, certified life-coach and best-selling author joins our host William Corless to discuss Burnout.  This podcast provides insights into how people can overcome overwhelm, burnout and manage the demands of their personal and professional roles; learn how to embrace self-care and how to navigate living in a chaotic world; hone their authentic leadership style so they can make a difference and thrive in their work

In this episode, the coaches coach, Andrew McLaughlin discusses what is quality of life. In this wide ranging and fascinating discussion we gain a deeper understanding of what are the key elements to a quality of life. We cover research, the philosophy and practical tips to bring more quality into your life.  The research proves that quality of life will have the positive ripple effects on leadership, relationships, team and organisation.

Dr Ann Torres speaks to me from California to give us an insight into negotiation. We use negotiation everyday, at work, with our team, our manager, in our relationships and at home.  Ann gives us useful tips into how we can better use negotiations in our lives, whether it is buying a house or dealing with a conflict at work.

Aoife Donovan Lee joins William on the podcast to discuss our technology habits. More and more people suffer from technostress. We explore the impact of technostress and provide insight and understanding to our technology habits. We also provide tips on the little changes you can make to over come technostress.

Cultural Intelligence expert, Samara Hakim of Culturgrit joins William Corless on the podcast. Samara and William  discuss Measuring Inclusion and Diversity in the workplace. We explore the benefits to business brought about by measuring inclusion and diversity. We also highlight how gaining more insight as a leader, can deliver on better results for your team and your organisation. Working towards creating a sense of belonging to instil the right mindset to ensure psychological safety where people can thrive.

In this episode I am joined by Paula Milligan, a leading expert on trust. Paula is also a coach and facilitator. We discuss what does trust mean to people. Paula reveals the four different layers of trust that is crucial to building the solid foundations for any team. We also speak about creating a circle of safety to ensure we work in teams  collaborate effectively and allows for genuine communication.

The wonderfully talented Elaine Feeney (novelist, playwright and poet ) joins me on the Workplace podcast to discuss the career pivot and tapping into creativity. Her book has received huge praise. "As you were" was shortlisted for novel of the year in the irish book awards. She also features in the best books of 2020, in the guardian article by booker prize winner Douglas Stuart.

In this episode executive coach Paula Mullin shares valuable insights to why executive presence is so important for leaders. Paula highlights the effectiveness of the Bates Model and the executive presence model. When to use authenticity and when to use restraint. How leaders can gain insight into the impact of their presence on their organisational culture.

Luke Monahan of the Mediation Foundation of Ireland joins William Corless as they discuss how they have created a valuable and engaging learning experience online. They specifically discuss their certified mediation training which holds dual accreditation with the Mediation Institute of Ireland and the International Mediation Institute. With a national and international audience, we discuss how it has many benefits and some pleasant surprises to enhance learning outcomes.