Beyond The Water Cooler

The Heart of Modern Leadership (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Building Cultures (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

People First for Business Success (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Ways to work with me: itstimeforchange.co.uk/tailored-support

Join The Leadership Lens: itstimeforchange.co.uk/lets-connect

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Harassment at Work: The Leadership Responsibility We Can’t Ignore - Prisca Bradley, Bradley Employment Consulting

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

We often talk about progress on International Women’s Day, but real progress in our organisations means taking a hard look at what still isn’t working, especially where workplace harassment is concerned. Throwing a policy on the shelf or holding a one-off session misses the point. The reality - which far too many women live, often in silence - should make us all uncomfortable.

As leaders and managers, we set the tone. When we treat workplace harassment as just a legal issue, we fail our people. It is a leadership issue, a cultural issue, and for too many, a daily experience that chips away at well-being, confidence, and trust. The recent statistics stagger me: 80% of women on average do not report harassment, many don’t even recognise it at the time, and this is happening in every sector. Power dynamics, exhaustion, and a lack of confidence all play roles - so does a work culture where open conversation isn’t normalised.

I’m joined by Prisca Bradley, whose expertise in employment law and discrimination practice is one thing, but it’s her straight-talking focus on actionable responsibility that I value most. Together we get specific - what does meaningful responsibility look like for leaders and managers? How does proactive, ongoing education replace reactive, box-ticking behaviour? What tangible steps can you take, not only to comply, but to ensure your people are supported, seen, and able to thrive?

You’ll hear stories, concrete examples, and practical advice on everything from risk assessments to opening up conversations that matter. This is about more than compliance. It’s about leadership that actively builds a culture where employees are safe, engaged, and able to contribute at their best.

If you care about high-performing teams and your reputation as an employer, knowing your part in this is essential.

More about Prisca

Having been a solicitor and partner in private practice for several law firms, Prisca Bradley decided to set up her own consultancy in 2019 focussing on providing a blend of employment law advice and support and training to organisations and businesses primarily within the education, charity, technology and start-up sectors. She particularly enjoys supporting leaders and managers to develop their skills and working with organisations to create healthy working environments.

Get in touch with Prisca: www.bradleyemploymentconsulting.co.uk

Resources & References

Insight to Action: Tackling Workplace Harassment: Leadership Responsibility in Action

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace Part 1 - Dr Shawn Andrews (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace Part 2 - Dr Shawn Andrews (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Women’s Equality 50 Years On: Actions for Employers – Prisca Bradley (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

3 Inspirational Female Leaders (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Employer 8 Step Guide Preventing Sexual Harassment Work (equalityhumanrights.com)

Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (eida.org.uk)

Developing a combined measure of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics

Contact details for Lisa

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Prepared or Panicked: How Leaders Build Resilient Teams – Alex Rae, CEO, Wise Investment

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Getting people right means getting business right - and I’m always drawn to conversations about the human factor at work. I’m joined by Alex Rae, CEO at Wise Investments, whose insights cut through the noise about future-proof organisations and put real emphasis on what matters - people.

We dig into preparedness and possibility as a lens for leadership. Forget any notion that leaders should have all the answers - Alex is clear about building teams that can weather uncertainty, adapt, and thrive without being reliant on a single individual. That kind of culture isn’t about complicated strategies. It’s the result of leaders who trust their people, keep the conversation open, and invest in genuine relationships across their business.

You’ll hear us unpack the difference between simply reacting to change and leading with intention. We talk openly about the risks for teams when rapid change leaves people feeling overwhelmed or unsure about their place. Alex shares how Wise Investments face these challenges head-on, through both practical and emotional support, with practices that reinforce resilience and belonging. The social committee, well-being initiatives, and everyday conversations aren’t just nice extras - they’re essential foundations for high performance.

Leadership is about balancing care and challenge. The best managers help their teams grow by keeping things simple, staying present, and making room for continuous learning. None of this is about tick-box exercises - it’s active, ongoing, and firmly embedded in Wise’s culture.

If you’re wondering how to build a workplace where people feel secure, valued, and ready for whatever comes next, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on. Download the free resource in the show notes and join me in thinking about how prepared, and how hopeful, we really are for the future of work.

More about Alex:

Alex Rae grew up in Sweden and moved to the UK aged 15. Five years later she started working at Wise Investment and 25 years later she's still there. Alex has an 18 year old daughter and outside of work she loves seeing friends and going out for dinner.

Get in touch here: wiseinvestment.co.uk

Resources & References

Insight to Action: Preparedness, Possibility, and People - How Leaders Build Resilient Teams

Oxfordshire Business Summit Ebook

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Making People Data Matter: From Reporting to Real Influence – Lorna Moles, Farrell HR

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

'HR data' - for many, those two words conjure up images of spreadsheets, reporting for the sake of it, or endless discussions about what to count and who even cares.

But what if we stopped treating ‘people data’ as just another extra or admin task, and instead saw it as essential for understanding what really makes our teams tick?

I sat down with Lorna Moles, director of Farrell HR, to unpick why so many HR professionals - and leadership teams more broadly - struggle to move beyond reporting the basics. We explored how HR data, when used purposefully, can be the backbone of good decision-making, strategic storytelling, and building credibility in the boardroom.

What stood out for me was that data isn’t just numbers - it’s people’s stories, frustrations, ideas, and what gets in the way of them being at their best.

If we really want to create a work culture where employees thrive and managers feel equipped to lead well, we need to spend as much time listening to what people are telling us (in conversations, feedback, and lived experience) as we do looking at the headline numbers.

A big theme was curiosity - not taking data at face value, but asking what lies beneath. It means drilling beyond ‘how many’ to really notice the patterns, the outliers, the “why”. That’s when data moves from being a tick-box exercise to something alive and genuinely useful for managers, leaders, and the whole organisation.

Of course, none of this matters if we don’t communicate well. Lorna and I both agree - it’s far too easy to stop at “here’s the report”. True impact begins when we work together to make sense of the data, ask the right questions, and use it to support people, not just measure them.

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or manager wanting your workplace to perform at its best, start by asking how you use your people data. Is it an afterthought - or a springboard for conversations that drive real change?

This conversation is a reminder to see beyond the spreadsheet and get under the surface of what’s really going on.

More about Lorna:

Lorna Moles runs FARRELL HR, harnessing over 20 years of in-house experience to help organisations transform workplace culture, future-proof their teams and navigate HR challenges with clarity and compassion.

She offers flexible, tailored HR support - whether you need core HR services, strategic advice or project-based help during periods of growth or change.

With FARRELL HR, businesses benefit from senior-level HR expertise without the overhead of hiring in-house: from policy and procedures to performance management, restructuring, talent planning and employee engagement.

Get in touch here: www.farrellhr.co.uk

Resources & References

Insight to Action: Making Data Matter: How HR Can Build Influence Through Storytelling and Insightful Reporting

A Guide to HR Data Insights That Drive Real Results (www.thehrdirector.com)

Explore barriers to some data-collection approaches and a number of different methods that provide the opportunity to capture everyone’s voice: Never Just a Survey – Kieran Innes, Stribe

Find out where you and your team are at and what's needed to shift the dial on performance data: High Performance Accelerator

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Listen to this episode on YouTube

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

What High-Performing Teams Will Do Differently in 2026

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

High performing teams aren’t just about more tools or faster processes. What really sets them apart as we look to 2026 is how they create and sustain performance - not simply by working harder, but by rethinking the way they lead and work together.

I’m noticing a clear pattern across organisations: people are working flat out, yet performance feels fragile and easily disrupted. Decision making can be slower, energy is slipping, and many leaders admit to feeling under pressure to have all the answers. The challenge isn’t a lack of talent or drive, but rather that our default models of leadership and management don’t always fit the pace and complexity we face today.

It’s time to let go of what I call “zombie leadership” - outdated habits and models built on constant urgency, control and the relentless need for answers. Instead, the teams that are thriving are those where leaders do less, but do it intentionally. They create space for thinking, learning, and genuine contribution. They focus less on output in the short-term, and more on clarity - quality over busyness.

This shift isn’t always comfortable, especially if your identity as a manager or leader has been based on having the answers. But asking better questions, building real pauses into conversations, and protecting your team’s energy pays off in resilience, judgement, and creativity.

Our focus has to be on work cultures where wellbeing and high performance aren’t separate goals, but interdependent. Sustainable success comes from leading differently, not pushing harder. If you’re ready to step back, prioritise space, and foster genuine high performance in your organisation, there are some simple but impactful actions you can take - fewer, better meetings, smarter decision making, and actively managing energy.

What would happen if doing less became your greatest leadership strength? If you want the support to make that shift, you know where to find me.

Resources & References

Download the free resource: Insight to Action: Sustainable High Performance in 2026: What Teams Need to Do Differently

Download the High Performance Accelerator to increase self-awareness

The 5 Unseen People Challenges Leaders Must Face in 2026

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Listen to this episode on YouTube

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

The 5 Unseen People Challenges Leaders Must Face in 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

As we approach a new year, I’m urging leaders and managers to pause and reflect - it’s time for strategic, actionable thinking about how we’ll lead into 2026. Expectations at work have changed, people have changed, and the way organisations respond needs to change too.

I’m sharing the five people challenges that simply can’t be ignored if you want a work culture where employees thrive, not just survive. You'll also hear my suggestions about where to start for each challenge to make a real difference for the year ahead.

The reality facing us? Emotional exhaustion is everywhere, often hidden behind the facade of resilience. High output does not mean high wellbeing - it's all too easy to misinterpret performance and overlook quiet depletion within teams. If left unchecked, this erodes empathy, creativity, and ultimately, results.

I’m seeing manager capability gaps widen, especially as they avoid difficult conversations or rely on tech for easy, yet superficial, solutions. Managers are now the critical link between strategy and reality. They need practical support to become skilled communicators who coach rather than instruct - tackling feedback, boundaries, and emotional intelligence head-on.

With more of us working hybrid or across multiple sites, culture is fragmenting. Belonging, consistency, and trust now hinge on intentional daily habits, observable behaviours, and rituals that build connection, even at a distance. Culture is built moment to moment: in tone, clarity, and follow-through, not slogans on the wall.

The world is also less predictable - dealing with brittleness, anxiety, non-linearity, and incomprehensibility. Thriving teams need to practise flexibility, foster trust, adapt quickly, and ensure shared understanding.

Finally, a warning - there’s often a gulf between what leaders believe is happening and the lived reality for their teams. Listening, curiosity, consistent communication, and small intentional changes matter more than ever.

Ask yourself: Where are the cracks? Where do the opportunities lie for your leadership, your management approach, and your team’s ability to perform at their best? When people thrive, business thrives. Let’s start that journey now.

Resources & References

Download the free resource: Leading in 2026 - The 5 Critical People Challenges and Actions for Thriving, High-Performing Teams

Download the High Performance Accelerator to increase self-awareness

To reduce the anxiousness experienced in our BANI world, this discussion framework could prove helpful: Tackling Anxiety Collectively: Team Discussion Framework

Explore ways to build resilience: 13 Skills to Build Resilience

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Insight to Action: Lead Like a Diplomat: Practical Lessons in Curiosity, Connection & Courage

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Lead like a Diplomat - Gareth Weir, Deputy Ambassador, British Embassy Seoul

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

No sidelines. That’s the phrase Gareth Weir digs into as we explore leadership, management, and the connections across our working world. Gareth is the Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Seoul, and he’s just recorded a TEDx talk challenging the myth that it’s enough to stand on the edge and watch the world go by.

Growing up in West Africa with teachers for parents, Gareth’s early experience with diverse cultures shaped his view that we’re all far more connected than we admit. Whether it’s a mobile phone made across continents or the food on our plate, nothing is truly isolated anymore. Gareth believes that real leadership starts with recognising this interdependence and embracing the messiness of reality.

Curiosity, as Gareth sees it, isn’t a soft skill - it’s a strategic tool for managers and teams. Listening loudly and deliberately seeking what’s unsaid shifts conversations from the superficial to the substantial. If we want thriving, high performing teams, we have to ask ourselves: what might I be missing? Creating the space to challenge assumptions and actively invite diverse perspectives should be woven into our workplace governance, not just left to chance.

Gareth also shares why maximum challenge followed by maximum loyalty is at the heart of great decision making. Leaders must signal their intentions, flex their style, and be open about when they’re directing and when they’re co-creating. Building trust, prioritising connection, and respecting the hidden system beneath any organisation are essential to wellbeing, alignment, and lasting influence.

If you’re questioning what it means to be a courageous leader in today’s world - this conversation will help. Connection isn’t just about feeling good; it’s vital for high performance, psychological safety, and tackling the toughest problems together.

Gareth’s reflections on shadowing, co-creation, and practical curiosity offer plenty to take away. For those looking to build work cultures where people thrive, this is not one to skip.

More about Gareth:

Gareth Weir has worked as an entrepreneur, in the private sector and public sector. He is fortunate to have lived and worked in a range of countries and contexts. Gareth is currently the UK Deputy Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

Links to contact Gareth:

LinkedIn: Gareth Weir

Resources & References

The Human Factor Behind High-Performing Teams

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Insight to Action Building a Culture of Belonging and Excellence - Downloadable Resource

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Building Cultures Where People Belong and Perform: Megan Carter, Blenheim Palace

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What does it really take to build a work culture where employees genuinely belong and perform at their best? The conversation with Megan Carter - Head of People at Blenheim Palace and Pye Homes - clears away the gloss and gets down to the essentials.

Even when joining an organisation with positive foundations, it’s easy for teams to fall into silos or lose sight of shared purpose. The solution, as Megan points out, lies in clear values and a lived approach to leadership. It’s not about a strategy sitting idle, but about the everyday behaviours, especially from leaders, that help people feel heard and valued.

A high-performing workforce is sustained by fostering human connections, regular feedback, and authentic listening. I loved hearing about their ‘You said - we did’ process, which isn’t just an HR tick-box exercise, but an ongoing cycle of feedback and collective action. Their very low staff turnover and positive atmosphere are the results of intentional engagement, employee forums, and a culture where everyone’s voice matters.

It isn’t hierarchical; it’s approachable, personal, and rooted in day-to-day interactions - remembering names, checking in with genuine concern, and encouraging emotional intelligence. The three pillars - Grow, Give, and Belong - run through everything they do, helping ensure that everyone’s potential is supported, community connections are strong, and each person feels they matter.

Too often, people talk about work culture as a set of slogans or initiatives, but as Megan shared, it’s the little things - regular check-ins, supporting managers, empowering employees to solve problems together - that add up to a thriving, resilient workforce.

If you’re a leader or manager, don’t shy away from honest feedback, keep role modelling the behaviours you want to see, and remember: sustainable success is always collective. When your people thrive, so does your business.

More about Megan:

Megan Carter is a People Director dedicated to shaping positive working environments and fostering strong, inclusive cultures that drive innovation and inclusivity. She prioritises wellbeing and personal growth for organisational success.

Links to contact Megan:

LinkedIn:

Megan Carter

Blenheim Palace

Pye Homes

Resources & References

The Emotional Needs Audit (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tomorrow's Workplace - Building workplaces around employee emotional needs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Building Cultures - B4 People Ecosystem(itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Rethinking Leadership for meaningful wellbeing (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

High Performance through Happy People - Festival of Happiness 2024 (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Burnout Signs & Solutions in Modern Workplaces (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leadership Insights for a Changing World - Oxfordshire Business Summit Free eBook (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Working at Blenheim

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Burnout Signs & Solutions in Modern Workplaces – Claire Plumbly

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Burnout isn’t just about dramatic crashes or sudden breakdowns - far more often, it creeps in slowly, going undetected until leaders and high performers find themselves exhausted, cynical, and detached. It’s an uncomfortable reality, particularly in workplaces where relentless pace and hyper-productivity can masquerade as success.

I spoke with Dr Claire Plumbly, psychologist and founder of Plum Psychology, who specialises in helping professionals recover from burnout. We challenge assumptions around burnout - as Claire says, it isn’t simply a workload issue, and it’s certainly not a badge of honour. Burnout can exist on a continuum: you can be hitting every marker for burnout and still function, still deliver. That’s often missed by leaders and managers, especially when high output is mistaken for wellbeing.

The conversation moves beyond the familiar territory of “resilience” and “stress management”, and digs into the deep-seated organisational factors that keep burnout hidden or, worse, normalised. We explore how team culture, boundaries, and everyday interactions can either perpetuate burnout or be used to genuinely create thriving, healthy teams.

I’m all about provoking leaders to think differently. It isn’t enough to simply identify stress signs; the real impact comes from regular, genuinely caring one-to-ones, creating true psychological safety, and holding space for rest and reflection - rather than cramming more into every vacant minute.

Key takeaways are practical: model healthy boundaries, celebrate the power of pausing, and rethink what performance really means. Your self-worth and value cannot simply be measured by what’s ticked off a to-do list each day. Sustainable high performance comes from the rhythm and rituals of work, not the heroics of overwork.

Claire’s book and resources offer insight for leaders who want to support teams to feel connected, valued, and safe. Burnout flourishes in silence - the antidote is care, conversation, and culture. The show notes have the links you’ll need.

Let’s be clear: work should enable people to thrive, not merely survive.

More about Claire:

Dr Claire Plumbly is a Clinical Psychologist, author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, and founder of Plum Psychology - a team of psychologists offering trauma-informed burnout recovery both in-person and online. Through one-to-one work, intensive-therapy, and workshops, she helps busy professionals shift out of survival mode and into sustainable success.

Links to contact Claire:

LinkedIn: Dr Claire Plumbly

Facebook: @drclaireplumbly

Instagram: @drclaireplumbly

TikTok: @drclaireplumbly

Website: www.plum-psychology.com

Resources & References

Insight to Action: Burnout Intervention - Downloadable Resource

Super Humans Burnout Too (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

A Conversation About Tackling Burnout (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Reducing Overwhelm with Simple Curious Creative Leadership with Carla Marassous (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Burnout by Dr Claire Plumbly

The 5 step method to switch off after work

Claire's playlist of other podcasts, discussing issues that inter-relate with burnout like grief, ADHD, extra stresses of running your own business, peri-menopause etc: spotify.com/playlist

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

High Performance Accelerator Resource

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

TRADING PLACES: Battling with Business: Inside High Performing Teams

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by the endless “Top 10 Ways to Lead” lists, only to realise that thriving teams and high-performing cultures aren’t built by ticking boxes? In this special episode of Beyond the Water Cooler, I’m sharing my recent guest appearance on Battling with Business, where I joined Gareth Tennant and Chris Kitchener to dive into what truly helps people and organisations flourish.

We explored why leadership is far more nuanced than a job title or a generic playbook - it’s an ongoing commitment to understanding individual needs, being curious about what motivates others, and creating meaningful, authentic connections. Genuine interest and thoughtful feedback unlock unseen potential and build the trust every great team needs.

Our conversation covered:

The real meaning of leadership as a set of daily behaviours
Why curiosity and empathy are essential for team performance
Building psychological safety through vulnerability and honest questions
How feedback helps uncover hidden strengths and encourage growth
Creating connection - whether through personal stories or simple, agenda-free chats
What leaders can do to protect and support their teams, especially under pressure
The vital role of trust in high performing cultures

We talked openly about the everyday challenges leaders face when building psychological safety, especially in times of stress, and shared practical ideas for scaling healthy cultures in large organisations. Ultimately, we agreed - it’s the small moments, genuine conversations, and intentional focus on people that create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

If you’re passionate about leadership, management, and nurturing working environments where people perform at their best, this discussion offers fresh, practical insights you can take away today.

More about Battling with Business:

In the Battling with Business podcast, Gareth Tennant, a former Royal Marines Officer, and Chris Kitchener, a veteran of the software development world, explore ideas and concepts around teams and teamwork, leaders and leadership, and all things in between. It’s a discussion between a former military commander and a business manager, comparing and contrasting their experiences as they attempt to work out what makes teams, leaders, and businesses tick.

Links to contact Gareth & Chris:

LinkedIn:

Gareth Tennant

Chris Kitchener

Resources & References

Listen to this episode on YouTube

Demystifying Psychological Safety | It's Time for Change

Rethinking Leadership | It's Time for Change

Strategy, Tactics & Operations - Gareth Tennant | It's Time for Change

Battling with Business Podcast

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Burning Out or Burning Bright – Rich Hanrahan

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Leadership. It’s at the heart of every conversation I have about workplace culture and team performance. This latest episode of Beyond the Water Cooler is no exception. I’m joined by the fabulous Rich Hanrahan, co-founder of RPNA, to pick apart the link between leadership, wellbeing, and organisational output - and, as you might expect, the conversation is packed with insights that anyone in management or working with teams needs to hear.

Rich shares findings from his recent report focused on wellbeing across the government sector. But here’s the thing - its recommendations and lessons aren’t just for that field. As Rich so clearly spells out, the biggest impact we can have on employee wellbeing is by improving the quality of leadership at all levels. It’s not about adding another standalone ‘wellbeing programme’ - it’s about embedding thoughtful, people-focused leadership into the very fabric of how we work.

We challenge the numbers-driven approach to engagement surveys - that relentless focus on scores, rather than real conversations. Rich’s view? Be curious, not just competitive. Create space and time for meaningful discussions. That’s where managers can really support teams and where real improvement lives.

I loved exploring findings like 88% of frontline staff wanting to contribute more. Imagine if we actually asked people what they want to get involved with and gave them the space to help shape change! But there’s a flip side: discomfort remains, with 69% of frontline staff not feeling emotionally safe with their first-line manager. For me, this underlines the crucial need for managers to focus as much on the people side as they do the numbers, and to create a culture of genuine psychological safety.

And then there’s conflict. As Rich points out, much of it grows out of people caring deeply. If we can reframe conflict as healthy disagreement and tackle its systemic causes, we’ll see teams thrive - not just survive.

This is an episode for anyone wanting to create a workplace that’s about more than ticking boxes. If you care about happy, motivated, high-performing teams, this one’s for you.

More about Rich:

Rich holds a Masters Degree in Coaching, Mentoring & Leadership. He believes in leadership that transforms wellbeing and results. He co-founded RPNA to help leaders and their teams flourish on the jagged frontier of the future of work, as they adopt new technology, adapt to change in societal expectation of work and service, and reimagine the future of their organisations.

Links to contact Rich:

LinkedIn:

Rich Hanrahan

RPNA

Website: www.therpna.co.uk

Resources & References

Downloadable Resource

Wellbeing by Design (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Joining the Dots (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Compassionate Leadership (a better approach for mental health?) (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

TRADING PLACES: Organisational Effectiveness – Theran Knighton-Fitt, Mygrow (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Access the Burning Out Burning Bright report here: The RPNA Home | RPNA | Transformational change

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Retained Partnership Information

Email me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Essential Strategies for 5 Big People Challenges Facing Organisations Today

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

When we talk about people thriving at work, the conversation must go well beyond policies and perks. In this final episode of season 11, I’m wrapping up with my high-level reflections on what truly matters when it comes to leadership, management, and fostering a work culture where employees are not only high performing, but actually want to show up and contribute.

From working with organisations of all sizes and across many industries, a pattern has emerged – five consistent challenges surface time and again: managing stress, masking in leadership, team performance, feedback, and navigating change. None are unique, but left unaddressed, they hold back even the most well-intentioned businesses.

Here’s my honest take: tackling stress is not about “surface fixes” but about looking at the whole system, listening, and acting. The organisations making a real difference are those creating space for genuine conversations about what’s driving stress, and then actually planning to reduce it.

Then there’s masking in leadership. So many leaders share their hidden anxieties and pressures with me – but rarely with anyone else. Yet the moment leaders show some vulnerability, authenticity spreads. This isn’t soft: it’s the pathway to real collaboration and trust.

Team performance? It starts with unpicking day-to-day behaviours, getting clear on shared values, and involving your people in defining what excellence really looks like. Simple, practical activities lead to immediate improvements because it's meaningful - it avoids box-ticking.

Feedback remains a sticking point for most – too often avoided, occasionally brutal, seldom continuous. Building a “feedback culture” isn’t about frameworks alone, but about making space for honest, regular dialogue all through the business.

And finally, change. Successful organisations realise that the human side of change is not a nice-to-have, but the glue holding everything together. Trust, psychological safety, and regular communication build resilience throughout.

As ever, my passion is about putting the human factor first so that people, and therefore organisations, can truly excel. Thanks for joining me this season – I can’t wait to return with even more practical insights in September!

Resources & References

High Performance Accelerator

B4 People Ecosystem Blog: Change is Challenging

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Decision Advantage Consulting

Strategy, Tactics & Operations – Gareth Tennant

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Do you know the difference between strategy, tactics, and operations?

This conversation with Gareth Tennant, Director of Decision Advantage, brings clarity. And he should know, having two decades’ experience as a Royal Marines officer. His insights into intelligence, decision-making and organisational learning are invaluable.

Gareth helps us understand why muddling strategy, tactics and ops can leave us feeling exhausted and directionless. Most of us go through our days making decisions on autopilot. We rarely stop and consider how we make those decisions, and how our habits around leadership and management shape the very culture of our organisations. That is a problem.

The notion of rigid hierarchies and knowing the answers is replaced with psychological safety, the power of “mission command”, and knowing that leaders shouldn't micromanage. In fact, giving people genuine responsibility – with the right support and training – is what enables teams not just to cope, but to excel, even in the face of uncertainty.

This episode is packed with stories, practical ideas (including why “war gaming” isn’t just for the military!), and heaps of fresh energy around what work success can look like. If you really want to know how to help your people perform brilliantly and feel proud of what you’re building together, do tune in.

Thank you to Gareth's wife for the introduction through a rather serendipitous Battle Box gym class!

Enjoy!

More about Gareth:

Gareth is a former Royal Marines Commando who specialised in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Using hard fought lessons from his experience in combat, he now works with clients helping them make better decisions through a combination of more effective sense making and through the cultivation of coherence across disperate teams within organisations.

Links to contact Gareth:

LinkedIn:

Gareth Tennant

Website: www.decisionadvantage.uk

X: @Battlingwithbiz

Resources & References

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

My work with companies (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Battling with Business Podcast

Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

The Future of Work: Being Human

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We’ve officially reached the 100th episode of Beyond the Water Cooler! It’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on not just how far we’ve come, but where we’re headed when it comes to the future of work.

To celebrate this milestone, I’ve brought together three brilliant guests, each an industry leader from a different sector: Sarah Foster from law (Freeths Oxford), Jamie Purcell from hospitality (Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons), and Crissie Gizzi from construction (Morgan Sindall). Together, we open the lid on how leadership and work culture are evolving across fields that may appear worlds apart but share strikingly similar challenges and opportunities.

A common thread emerges throughout our discussion: uncertainty is both a reality and a catalyst for change. Skills shortages, technology integration, evolving employee expectations, and the unknowns ahead make it more important than ever for leaders to foster cultures built on curiosity, empathy, and adaptability. Our guests share practical insights: from running meaningful check-ins and supporting wellbeing, to investing in learning, embracing hybrid working, and designing innovative ways to retain and develop people.

We talk candidly about what keeps us up at night—wellbeing, resilience, and how to prepare for the skills and confidence gaps of tomorrow. Yet there’s real excitement too, especially around diversity, inclusion, and learning from other industries. Whether it’s making workplaces accessible by investing in new transport routes, or shaping firm strategies that are truly influenced by staff voice, the future of work will belong to those who listen, adapt, and lead with openness.

If you want a glimpse into the challenges and joys of steering your team through uncertainty, and inspiration to build a thriving, high-performing culture—whatever your sector—this episode is for you. Here’s to being curious, empathetic, and, above all, human… even as the future keeps us on our toes.

More about my guests:

Sarah Foster

Sarah manages Freeths Oxford office, is Joint National Head of the Freeths Private Client Services team and sits on their management board. She has 30 years' post-qualification experience of dealing with contentious trust and probate disputes and professional negligence claims. She is well known for her firm but fair approach to the resolution of disputes.

Sarah is a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association (PNLA). She is also an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

She is listed as an Eminent Practitioner in Chambers and Partners (2025 edition) for both professional negligence and private wealth disputes. She is also a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 (2025 edition) being recognised as a Leading Partner for Private Client – Contentious Trusts and Probate.

Jamie Purcell

Having grown up in the Cotswolds and beginning his career in country house hotels, Jamie moved to London for 12 years to take up sales roles in hotels such as Rocco Forte Hotels, The Langham London and Corinthia London. He has recently returned to his country roots, assuming the role of Director of Sales at Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, a Belmond hotel. Jamie is looking forward to helping drive the commercial success of this iconic gastronomic oasis as they embark on exciting times ahead.

Crissie Gizzi

As Senior Business Development Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, Crissie is primarily responsible for the overall sustainable growth of the region, and is focused on new business and key account customers for the Thames Valley & Oxford office. She achieves this with a consistent approach to creating & building relationships, developing key opportunities, managing and attending events, and leading their win strategy process.

Links to contact my guests:

Sarah Foster

LinkedIn:

Sarah Foster

Freeths Oxford

Website: www.freeths.co.uk

Jamie Purcell

LinkedIn:

Jamie Purcell

Website: www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons

Crissie Gizzi

LinkedIn:

Cristina Gizzi

Morgan Sindall

Website: www.morgansindall.com

Resources & References

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Drop me a line to download a free resource that will help you and your team be more conscious about how you show up at work.

TRADING PLACES: Organisational Effectiveness – Theran Knighton-Fitt, Mygrow (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

TRADING PLACES: The Being Playful Podcast: Playfulness to Revolutionise Performance (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Do Soft Skills Need a Rebrand? with Andrew Bardsley (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

TRADING PLACES: Organisational Effectiveness – Theran Knighton-Fitt, Mygrow

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it truly takes to build a thriving workplace culture—one where employees are not only high performing but genuinely engaged and supported? I’m excited to share something a little different for this episode of Beyond the Water Cooler.

This time, the tables are turned, and I’m the guest, joining Theran Knighton-Fitt on Mygrow's Organisational Effectiveness Webinar for a deep dive into organisational effectiveness, leadership, management, and what really helps employees and businesses to flourish.

I talk with Theran about the vital link between workplace culture, leadership practice, and individual wellbeing—and how these connect to organisational performance.

Here is a taste of what we talk about:

Why effective leaders focus less on tasks and more on creating the right environment for their teams to succeed
How being clear about what ‘good’ looks like—at both team and organisational levels—sets the stage for meaningful impact
The shift from command-and-control to human-centred leadership, and what that really means in daily practice
How open, honest conversation unlocks team intelligence and drives collective achievement

Theran and I also get into the realities of modern work, including the loneliness that can arise even in busy workplaces, the challenges of supporting hybrid and virtual teams, and the critical role of emotional intelligence for today’s leaders.

Practical insights include:

How leaders can build trust by being vulnerable and modelling authenticity
The simple, powerful questions that spark meaningful change—like, “What do you need from me?”
Why clarity, recognition, and space for reflection are so vital for engagement and sustained performance
What it looks like in practice to move from measuring individuals to valuing and enabling the collective

Whether you’re a leader, a manager, or simply someone passionate about healthy workplace culture, there’s so much here to support you in building environments where people can do their best work—and feel good doing it.

Enjoy this special episode, and let me know your thoughts—how are you enabling your team’s collective intelligence and wellbeing? What works for you?

More about Theran:

People and words are two of Theran Knighton-Fitt's favourite kinds of things.

Theran thinks, writes, and speaks about humans— about our individual and collective potential.

In the world of work this means he take a keen interest not only in company culture but also in company character.

On LinkedIn and in his speaking engagements, he digs into topics and issues involving Capitalism, Organisational Culture, Behaviour, Values, Emotional Intelligence, Narrative Identity, Psychology and Social Science.

In his role as Chief Humanising Officer at Mygrow, Theran is interested in pioneering new ways of achieving collective flourishing and group cohesion through the powerful vehicles of companies and organisations.

His personal purpose statement in everything he does professionally is to “Realise Humanity.”

Links to contact Theran:

LinkedIn:

Theran Knighton-Fitt

Mygrow

Website: www.mygrow.me

Resources & References

Organisational Effectiveness Webinar (www.mygrow.me)

Joining the Dots (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Humanising Capitalism to Shape Culture (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

14 Steps to Achieving an Engaging Performing Workplace Culture (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Compassionate Leadership: A Better Approach for Mental Health (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Commonality is Individuality – Angela Prentner-Smith

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Many companies are cancelling programmes and changing language about DE&I following Trump's messaging. Where do you stand on this topic?

Angela Prentner-Smith, Managing Director of This is Milk brings her rich knowledge and experience of neurodiversity to the podcast, which is especially timely as yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day. She reminds us why it remains an important driver of business success.

If you're still working out where you stand or how to plan for the future of DE&I, the key points we discuss will help:

Understanding Neurodiversity: Angela clarifies the difference between neurodiversity—the broad concept of varied brain functionality in society—and neurodivergence, typically associated with conditions like ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia.
Inclusivity in Leadership and Management: Angela emphasises the importance of recognising neurodivergent individuals who are already present in our organisations. She offers practical strategies that leadership and management can implement to foster inclusivity.
Creating a Work Culture That Promotes Thriving, High Performing Employees: We explore action that organisations can take to empower neurodivergent employees to thrive and achieve high performance. Businesses not only support neurodivergent employees but create a healthier, more productive work environment for everyone.
Challenges and Misconceptions: We discuss the pervasive stereotypes and complex language issues that neurodivergent individuals face, and how leadership can help address these challenges in order to enhance workplace culture.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about building a more inclusive and diverse workplace.

Tune in and learn how together, we can contribute to a more understanding and inclusive organisations. What will be your contribution to that cause?

More about Angela:

Angela Prentner-Smith is the award-winning managing director and founder of This is Milk, a consultancy, training and technology business. She is an adept and engaging trainer in project related skills such as management, business analysis, inclusion, neurodiversity, and digital leadership.

Angela delivers digital leadership training for the Meirc Training in Dubai, Scottish Digital Academy, Kelvin College and a host of other partners. Since launching 10 years ago, Angela and her team have built a reputation as innovators and have created a brand and market position in a unique place in the Scottish market. In 2023 Angela was awarded the accolade of top 10 female entrepreneurs in Scotland

Angela has become a vocal advocate of equities particularly in gender roles, neurodiversity and human-centred business practices. This focus has become a core part of the This is Milk family of products with the launch of Neve learning having won a prestigious CivTech challenge that aims to disrupt the world of workplace learning and deliver inclusive and personalised learning journeys.

Links to contact Angela:

LinkedIn:

Angela Prentner-Smith

This is Milk

Website: www.thisismilk.co.uk

Resources & References

The Case For A Neurodiverse Culture with Mel Francis, Neuroinclusive HR (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

World Autism Awareness Month: At Work (www.autism.org.uk)

The Neuroverse: Neurodiversity in the Workplace Webinar (www.youtube.com)

The Neuroverse: Autism in the workplace: Part 1 (www.youtube.com)

The Neuroverse: Autism in the workplace: Part 2 (www.youtube.com)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively: Team Discussion Framework (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Managing Anxiety (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

You Can't Afford Not To Embrace Neurodiversity - Angela Prentner-Smith (www.scotsman.com)

Neurospicy (neurospicyatwork.com)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

www.thehappinessindex.com

Why Is Work So Unhappy? – Matt Phelan

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Happy International Day of Happiness! 🎉

There’s no better way to celebrate than exploring how happiness can make or break our workplace with insights from expert, Matt Phelan, co-founder of The Happiness Index.

In this enlightening episode of the Beyond the Water Cooler podcast, I chat with Matt about the intricate relationship between happiness and organisational growth.

Here's what we explore:

Happiness and Growth: Understand why Matt believes organisations cannot grow without happy employees, and the key to success.
Addressing Common Barriers: Learn about some of the main barriers organisations face in fostering a happy workforce and get practical advice on overcoming resistance within leadership teams.
The Power of Acknowledgment: Matt sheds light on the importance of personalised acknowledgment and why recognising individual employee contributions is crucial.
A Global Perspective: Gain insights from contrasting cultural approaches to raising happy communities.

Matt also shares his candid thoughts about the future of workplace culture and the pivotal role leaders play in maintaining a thriving, happy organisation.

Whether you’re a manager, business owner, or simply interested in organisational success, this episode is brimming with valuable takeaways. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and ensure your workplace is a hub of happiness and productivity.

More about Matt:

Matt Phelan is a Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, a platform that helps organisations measure the key employee engagement AND happiness drivers to power their people strategy. In his day-to-day role, he's responsible for the strategic direction of the business.

Matt is the founder of The Happiness and Humans Community, host of The Happiness Index Podcast and author of Freedom To Be Happy: The Business Case for Happiness & The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success"

Matt recently completed a TEDx talk where he presented 12 million data points on happiness from 1 million human beings in 100+ countries in less than 15 minutes.

Links to contact Matt:

LinkedIn: Matthew Phelan

Instagram: @matthewjphelan

X: @matthewphelan

Websites:

mattphelan.co.uk

Resources & References

40 Activities Ranked by Happiness: Work Ranks 39th, Just Above Being Sick (corporate-rebels.com)

Festival of Happiness 2024 (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Do Soft Skills Need a Rebrand - Andrew Bardsley (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

If you want to learn some of the skills to create a happier, engaged and high-performing workforce, you might be interested in Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Happiness Index: Why Today's Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success by Matt Phelan (amazon.co.uk)

The Happiness Index Podcast:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: lisapsychology

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Women’s Equality 50 Years On: Actions for Employers – Prisca Bradley

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

With Trump's very problematic attitude to women and DEI, is progress that's been made over the last 50 years about to do a massive U-turn?

In case you've somehow managed to avoid his comments, here is just one example (there are sooooo many)...

Talking about Kamala Harris during a Fox News appearance in September 2024, Trump said, "They put her in, and she somehow — a woman — somehow she's doing better than [President Joe Biden] did."

With comments like this from an 'authority' figure, just what do employers need to do to ensure they continue to benefit from all that women bring to the world of work?

Prisca Bradley joins me to share her perspective as an employment lawyer. She has brilliant insight that brings to life an essential discussion, turning ideology into practical action.

From recruitment, critical thinking development and training for leaders and managers, to empowering women to speak up and encouraging men to be active allies, this is a thought-provoking discussion. It's about psychology, geo-politics, ethics, performance and so much more.

Although we've recorded this for International Women's Day, this is a critical agenda that must be driven from the boardroom across the organisation, throughout all strategy and ops, across the employee lifecycle, 365 days a year.

Accelerate Action for gender equality.

How are YOU translating concepts into pragmatic practice?

More about Prisca:

Having been a solicitor and partner in private practice for several law firms. Prisca decided to set up her own consultancy in 2019 focussing on providing a blend of employment law advice and support and training to organisations and businesses primarily within the education, charity, technology and start-up sectors. She particularly enjoys supporting leaders and managers to develop their skills and working with organisations to create healthy working environments.

Links to contact Prisca:

LinkedIn: Prisca Bradley

Website: www.bradleyemploymentconsulting.co.uk

Resources & References

New Research: Women More Effective Than Men In All Leadership Measures (www.forbes.com)

Link to commentary on the rights of women survey: www.womensgrid.org.uk

Seb Randle Podcast Episode: Men: Developing Allies

Dr Shawn Andrews Podcast Episodes:

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2)

Tammy Gee Podcast Episode: How Is Menopause Impacting Your Leadership

Charlotte Wilson Podcast Episode: A Female Perspective in Celebration of International Womens Day

Eve Was Framed - Baroness Helen Kennedy QC (www.univ.ox.ac.uk)

Blink - Malcolm Gladwell (www.worldofbooks.com)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Challenges (and joys) Leading People in Another Country – Rosie Hawes

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Rosie Hawes is a business risk consultant who has worked in Russia, China and South Korea. In this conversation she brings a really interesting perspective to the challenges of managing people in different cultures.

Her experience really shines a light on the range of pressures facing different cultures, from misogyny and gossip, to the 'entitlement' of gen Z.

We explore the whether we need to accept or challenge practices that don't align with our values, particularly when they are perceived as some to be damaging.

Rosie helps us think about how to sustain high performance in teams that are made up of individuals from different cultures, or who may be operating overseas to us. Is it really that difficult?

It was fascinating hearing about some of Rosie's investigations and experiences and what she learnt about the diverse world of work. Find out for yourself. Listen to the podcast or watch on YouTube and meet Rosie's cat!

More about Rosie:

With a 20+ year career in risk and investigations spanning Russia, China and South Korea, Rosie Hawes brings a fascinating perspective on the challenges of being a foreign manager in a new environment and how to build a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Having supported multinational clients looking to expand in high risk jurisdictions, she shares her experience of the pitfalls firms fall into when expanding when failing to consider local fraud and corruption schemes, cultural nuances and even different concepts of trust.

Links to contact Rosie:

LinkedIn: Rosie Hawes

Resources & References

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Breaking the Silence: Empowering Leaders to Support Employees Affected by Cancer – Sharron Moffatt

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On average someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 90 seconds in the UK. That's a hard-hitting statistic.

What is also alarming is a finding by a Cancer@Work study that found 50% of people undergoing cancer treatment are too scared to tell their bosses they have cancer. Fear gets in the way.

When you add to that the discomfort many line managers have about talking to employees about their cancer, we realise we have a BIG problem. But it shouldn't be.

Like everything I talk about when advocating for a work culture where employees are able to show up with authenticity and experience what they need to feel and perform well... it's about simply being human.

That does not require managers or colleagues to be subject experts. But it does require genuine care and curiosity. After all, cancer, like most things in life, is a unique experience, so it's about getting to know the individual's reality by asking.

This podcast conversation with the brilliant Sharron Moffatt helps us understand what to say and do, what to avoid, and the very real difference that can make.

Why? Because with stats like that above, cancer is definitely not a niche - you need to know your part.

It will affect your workforce.

It will affect your reputation.

Sharron specialises in mental health and has lived experience of cancer. She is incredibly good at communicating what you need to know, usually with a sprinkling of her awesome energy and humour that makes her super easy to engage with. I can't recommend her highly enough if you're looking for workshops and support.

More about Sharron:

Sharron Moffatt, a Mental Health Trainer, Cancer Awareness Ambassador and Speaker brings 30 years of global experience in health and wellbeing, and her approach is as inspiring as it is relatable.

Mental health and cancer can be challenging subjects, but Sharron has a unique way of breaking down barriers and making these conversations feel relatable, approachable, and empowering. Drawing on her professional expertise and a side of hard-earned wisdom, she’s passionate about sparking real, meaningful change—both in the workplace and in the lives of everyone she touches.

Links to contact Sharron:

LinkedIn: Sharron Moffatt

Instagram: @50_bald_and_boobless

Website: sharronmoffatt.co.uk

Resources & References

Managing Cancer in the Workplace (www.macmillan.org.uk)

How to Create a Cancer Aware Workplace Culture (cancersupportuk.org)

www.worldcancerday.org

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cancer Information and Support: Supporting Someone with Cancer (www.macmillan.org.uk)

Stigmatisation of cancer is very real: more needs to be done to support sufferers at work (makeadifference.media)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Playfulness Institute

TRADING PLACES: The Being Playful Podcast: Playfulness to Revolutionise Performance

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how playfulness and authentic communication could revolutionise workplace culture and accelerate outstanding leadership? In this episode I joined Chris Marshall, Behavioural Scientist and Founder of The Playfulness Institute, as a guest on his 'The Being Playful Podcast'.

We talked about how creating the right environment enables both people and businesses to flourish. I shared my perspective on workplace dynamics, revealing how understanding and responding to human needs creates environments where creativity, innovation, and authentic connection can thrive. I explain how focusing on the human side of business leads to better performance and engagement.

The conversation explores the deep connection between environment, emotional awareness, and performance, with key insights including:

The distinction between controlling performance and creating conditions for excellence
How acknowledging emotions can transform team dynamics
The importance of leaders modelling authentic behaviour
Why collective intelligence trumps individual brilliance
The power of understanding and working with our natural stress responses

We deep dive into:

How creating psychologically safe environments enables peak performance
Why pausing and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership
The importance of normalising emotional responses in professional settings
How playfulness naturally emerges when stress levels decrease
The role of curiosity in fostering innovation and connection

The discussion takes fascinating turns into how both playfulness and emotional awareness can help manage uncertainty, encourage authentic expression, and create environments where innovation flourishes. This leads to more effective leadership and deeper workplace relationships.

More about Chris:

Chris Marshall is a Behavioural Scientist, Futurist and Psychologist and the founder of The Playfulness Institute, a not-for-profit organisation that helps organisations, teams and leaders cultivate places where humans can thrive through playfulness.

Links to contact Chris:

LinkedIn:

Chris Marshall

Website: www.playfulnessinstitute.org

Resources & References

Podcast Survey

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Being Playful Podcast (Spotify)

The Being Playful Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

Playful Insights - Playfulness Institute Blog

Three Pillar Playfulness Scale (chris-enne0sss.scoreapp.com)

The Playful Advantage by Chris Marshall (ebook) (www.amazon.com)

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Festival of Happiness 2024: Main stage panel session: ‘How Happy People Drive Performance'

POWERED BY HAPPINESS: Award Winning Performance – Jaye Cowle

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This is a first! Recording in front of a live audience at Google HQ for part of the fantastic Alliance of Independent Agencies' Festival of Happiness was exciting if not slightly daunting. But my guest, Jaye Cowle of award-winning company Launch, was an absolute delight to talk with.

Why listen? You get to hear about why Launch won the 'Independent Agency Purpose Award' recently. And that's not something to be sniffed at.

Spoiler alert... it was about creating a happy performance agency, having a clear purpose, and setting out to measure the impact that work on culture has on performance.

Jaye shares how she went about leading that, what she learnt, and how she overcame some of the pitfalls along the way. She provides sound advice for other business leaders who are thinking of embarking on a similar journey to become industry leaders in the future.

More about Jaye:

Jaye Cowle is the CEO & Founder of Launch, the happy performance agency. From kitchen table to £3m+, she has scaled Launch without investment and has set targets to double revenue in the next two years. Her ethos is happy people do great work. Jaye has created a high performing team at Launch by being a champion for both employee well-being and professional growth. Jaye speaks widely about leadership, team motivation, and building a thriving agency culture powered by happiness. Her infectious positivity and commitment to excellence makes her standout in the industry and a role model for female entrepreneurs. Under her guidance, Launch has become a trusted partner for brands looking to drive growth through their digital advertising and connect meaningfully with their potential customers. She sits on the Google Exec Circle as the only sole female founder.

Links to contact Jaye:

LinkedIn:

Jaye Cowle

Launch

Website: www.launchonline.co.uk

Resources & References

For leaders and managers looking to develop their practice within their individual context, Labs are a brilliant opportunity to learn, experiment and evaluate, focused on the specific challenges you face. Find out more: Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

People First for Business Success (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Psychological Safety (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - Daniel H. Pink (amazon.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The F Word: Finding calm amidst a Financial crisis – Sophie Lodge

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Did you know that the Social Metrics Commission found the current rate of poverty in the UK to be higher than at any other point in the 21st Century? A staggering 24% (nearly one in four) people in the UK are now judged to be in poverty.

That statistic means the impact of the financial crisis is likely to be closer to home than you may originally have thought. And with personal finances being an uncomfortable subject to talk about, the consequences can be significant. Distraction, anxiety and depression are all too common when people have money-worries.

So like anything, start with asking your employees what will help them. That's just one tip from Sophie Lodge of Eight Wealth Management who joins me to discuss a practical approach to financial wellbeing.

It's easy to fall into the trap of having the ideal 'support' mapped out, guessing what provision will be most impactful. But that approach can miss the mark. Sophie encourages us to think differently. Here she shares advice about how to reduce the stigma that surrounds money-talk and increase help that makes a real difference.

Listen or watch, and plan how you're going to ease a potentially stressful time for your workforce.

More about Sophie:

Sophie Lodge is your big sister in finance, helping you feel comfortable and confident with your finances.

Links to contact Sophie:

LinkedIn:

Sophie Lodge

Eight Wealth Management

Instagram: @sophie_financialadviser

Facebook: Eight Wealth Management Marlow

Website: Eight Wealth Management Marlow

Resources & References

Stress Mapping (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Never Just a Survey - Kieran Innes, Stribe (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Social Metrics Commission 2024 Report (socialmetricscommission.org.uk)

The Money Pizza by Fleur Iannazzo

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

“Terrifying… What, me?!” – Miranda Williams

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Ever been accused of being a bully? Or of being terrifying? Maybe not. But maybe you have experienced feedback that has shocked you because it was not what you intended.

The void between what we want to communicate and how our communication lands can be enormous. Most of us haven't had the opportunity to learn about how we feedback and challenge. And when this vital part of developing communication skills is missing, it's left to chance that our ability to engage with others matches what we want.

Now imagine you're the person lower down the hierarchy trying to give feedback to that person with power. Whether we like it or not, hierarchies exist and they often become barriers to people speaking up. In this conversation with Miranda Williams we explore how to reduce those walls. We unpick strategies for both bosses to reduce their sense of authority, and those in their teams to step up and and use their own power.

In this episode of the Beyond the Water Cooler podcast, Miranda shares many stories from her own experience, identifying times she has got it wrong, how she has put it right, and what she has learnt on her journey to becoming the self-aware person she is today.

Miranda's stories will resonate - they're about being human and navigating the uncertain and uncomfortable territory of challenging conversations.

How actively are you embracing the opportunity to develop your practice and to empower those around you?

If you want to continue the conversation, reach out to us.

More about Miranda:

Miranda Williams has 20+ years of leadership and management experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with a strong focus on process improvement within Supply Chain Operations. She is a trained executive coach, and now runs her own coaching and consultancy practice. Miranda specialises in empowering individuals and teams to enhance their development, with particular focus in building confidence, fostering team dynamics, and improving influence and relationships within organisations.

Links to contact Miranda:

LinkedIn: Miranda Williams

Resources & References

Team discussion frameworks to help some conversations happen more easily:

itstimeforchange.co.uk/team-discussion-framework

itstimeforchange.co.uk/stress-mapping

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition Hardcover – 18 Nov. 2021 (amazon.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Never Just a Survey – Kieran Innes, Stribe

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Fear.

Fatigue.

Are you stuck in a rut that is littered with surveys? It's often the go-to channel for getting to know what employees think, but there also barriers that can get in the way of these being effective.

Fatigue is just one of them.

Fear is another. The brave face doesn't simply disappear when presented with written questions to provide our opinions.

And that can be a BIG problem, especially for men. November is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and that prompted Kieran Innes of Stribe and I to have this conversation.

We talk about the barriers to feedback approaches. And Kieran shares a number of different methods that provide the opportunity to capture everyone's voice.

Unless we use a range of ways to hear what people have to say, we fail to demonstrate the importance of people being heard. That intention simply becomes empty words.

Are you really finding the best ways to put the feedback experience where your mouth is?

More about Kieran:

Kieran Innes is the Founder and CEO of Stribe and Tootoot, two platforms dedicated to empowering voices in workplaces and schools. Stribe has transformed employee engagement with accessible anonymous surveys, while Tootoot gives thousands of children a safe anonymous way to report bullying and other worries directly to their schools.

Links to contact Kieran:

LinkedIn:

Kieran Innes

stribehq

Website: stribehq.com

Instagram: @stribehq

X: @stribehq

Resources & References

Failure to Succeed: A Leader’s View – with Mike Brennan (the other half of Tootoot and Stribe) (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Men's Mental Wellbeing Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Data Driven Decisions: Shaping the Future of Employee Mental Health (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

How is Menopause Impacting your Leadership? – Tammy Gee

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

I love Tammy's phrase about wellbeing running through the veins of an organisation. When you achieve that, you are equipped to deal with any conversation that arises. And all because you start by putting people first.

That means being vulnerable and stepping into their space to learn about what someone else is experiencing and what they need.

18th October is menopause awareness day. It's a great time to remind you about the impact of menopause on women in leadership positions in your organisation.

And it's an even better time to remember the golden rule at work which is simply to demonstrate that you care.

Regardless of how people show up, being able to ask 2 questions can be a game changer...

1️⃣ What does someone's experience mean for them in terms of how it feels and impacts?

2️⃣ What do they need from you/the workplace to help them show up in the best way possible, in their circumstances?

Listen to the practical advice in this episode of the podcast to increase your confidence about speaking up and enabling others to have their voice heard.

Thank you Tammy Gee 😉

Good old 'getting people right to get business right'.

More about Tammy:

Tammy Gee, is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) specialising in perimenopause and menopause, on a mission to increase conversation and education around hormone health in the workplace.

"The conversation is important not just in the private clinic setting but also within the corporate setting"

Tammy works with HR, Diversity & Inclusion, and Communication teams to produce support guides, policies, and strategies relating to menopause and menstrual health in the workplace. Tammy also offers a range of educational workshops, support sessions and wellbeing content for any organisations looking to support women's health in the workplace.

Links to contact Tammy:

LinkedIn: tammygee

Website: www.sevencoloursofnutrition.co.uk

Facebook: sevencoloursofnutrition

Instagram: @sevencoloursofnutrition

Resources & References

Menopause and the Workplace (www.themenopausecharity.org)

69% [women in menopause] experienced difficulties with anxiety and depression - Landmark Study: Menopausal Women let down by Employers and Healthcare Providers - Fawcett Society

1 in 10 women leave their job due to menopause symptoms - Menopause and the Workplace report by the Fawcett Society and Channel 4, which polled 4,000 women aged 45-55.

For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources

To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

allindependentagencies.org

Happiness for Better Business Results – Isabel Odlin

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

"We not only need to work happy, we need to work at being happy." I love that quote by Shawn Achor.

So how are you working at that?

The Alliance of Independent Agencies have teamed up with Google to host an event that is dedicated to culture and high performance.

They recognise that leaders are navigating a rapid pace of change; the way people work has fundamentally changed. That's not just about where and when we work, but the types of activities that are ultimately draining our energy and sense of wellbeing.

And that presents a challenge for leaders and managers looking to engage their people.

Their Festival of Happiness is all about creating the right culture for high performance through a focus on happy people. And that's what Isabel Odlin and I discuss today.

Find out more about the festival and book your place here: Festival of Happiness

I'll be one of the live podcasters and part of a panel discussion on the day, so come and say hello!

In the meantime, tune into this conversation with Isy and consider how you are working to increase happiness in your workplace.

More about Isy:

Isabel Odlin is the Chief People Officer at Hub, a marketing and live-streaming agency, and an ILM Level 7 senior coach. She has crafted people strategies, led change management programmes, and developed innovative learning and development plans for businesses in the private and third sectors. As a certified Facet5 practitioner, she helps individuals understand their personalities and working styles. She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider, workplace wellbeing advocate, and a Chartered CIPD member. Additionally, Isy chairs the Alliance of Independent Agencies’ Wellbeing Action Group, fostering collaboration on agency culture and wellbeing.

Links to contact Isy:

LinkedIn: Isabel Odlin

Websites:

www.hubagency.co.uk

Resources & References

Festival of Happiness (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Are you making the most of the Happiness Advantage (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Alliance of Independent Agencies: Festival of Happiness

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leading Beyond the Numbers – Susan Ní Chríodáin

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This was a first and it was hilarious (just watch the outtake next week!).

Susan Ní Chríodáin and I got to record this episode of the podcast outside in the beautiful gardens at Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford, courtesy of Andrew Dickinson.

After some shenanigans we got to dive into her recently-published book, Leading Beyond the Numbers, which is all about how accounting for emotions tips the balance at work.

Who would have thought that my explanation of how imagination is our most misused resource would have made it into the book?!! You can listen to that conversation on Susan's podcast, Beyond the Numbers, here: Beyond The Numbers - Realise Your Vision (beyond-thenumbers.com)

Today, we explore what human beings and being human is all about and how that impacts on us at work. Susan explains the need to account for emotions, how we must reconcile the brain, body and behaviour, how we need to be rational AND emotional, and business sensibility via emotional regulation and integration.

The book is super easy to read, understand and apply. It is written in a way that is like listening to Susan telling us all about it during our conversation. I can almost hear her fabulous accent coming through the words. If you like what she has to say in the podcast, you'll love the book.

🎟️ Enter the draw to receive a free copy 📖 (UK only) by answering this question:

When we talk about being human and the importance of 'just being you', what causes a distraction to our recording?

The 7th person to send their correct answer to me via this link Get in Touch | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) will get a free copy in the post!!

In the meantime, listen to the sound advice that links emotions and organisational performance, or watch us in the best podcast setting here.

More about Susan:

Susan Ní Chríodáin sits at the nexus of business and emotion. She founded her bespoke consulting, facilitation and coaching practice, Beyond the Numbers, to revolutionise workplaces so everyone can be at their best. Her career spans three continents and a range of diverse leadership positions. She is the author of the bestselling Leading Beyond the Numbers where she reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the workplace, for improved engagement and fulfilment, benefiting both individuals and organisations. She believes in the transformative power of in-depth, honest conversations that lead to aligned actions and meaningful change that delivers results. And she hosts the popular podcast, Life Beyond the Numbers that invites listeners to discover insights on how to have a more fulfilling work-life.

Links to contact Susan:

LinkedIn: Susan Ní Chríodáin

Instagram: @susan.ni.chriodain

X: @S_Ni_C

Website: www.beyond-thenumbers.com

Resources & References

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ni Chriodain

Life Beyond The Numbers Podcast

Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

Permission to Feel by Professor Marc Brackett

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Active Leadership to Build Future Ready Organisations – Gregg Brown

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Gregg Brown doesn't hold back!!

We took a different approach on this episode of the podcast. Instead of the where-the-conversation-goes-nobody-knows conversation I usually have with guests, Gregg and I discussed a number of statements.

⚠️ Everyone wants to know what the future of work is.

⚠️ Disruption is necessary for work to evolve.

⚠️ Taking action requires the right mindset.

⚠️ We need to get out of our comfort zone.

⚠️ Leadership is something that we can measure.

⚠️ Psychological safety is not a business term.

What do you think?

Our responses might not be what you believe they would or should be.

This conversation is about these important topics that we must understand and consciously engage with if we want organisations to be future ready.

Those of you who know me will know that I'm a fan of taking statements like these, putting them on the table with your team and unpicking what they mean to you. It's a great place to start to increase clarity and alignment in your practice going forward.

We dive into concepts such as disruptive empathy, communities of understanding and PhDs in self-awareness!

Listen to or watch the episode and then send us a message to let us know what resonates, or where you have a different opinion. As you'll be able to tell, we love to talk in a down-to-earth way that simplifies the important stuff.

I recommend you reach out to Gregg, Change and Future of Work Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Change Ready Leadership Solutions. Take a look at his resources and subscribe to his newsletter. And connect with me if you're interested in finding out more about how to lead engaging, healthy, high-performing workplaces.

More about Gregg:

Gregg Brown is an internationally sought-after consultant and speaker on building future ready organizations. Gregg was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders change management. Starting out in a well known coffee business, over his 30-year career he has thrived in multiple leading roles in the healthcare, education, non-profit, and private sectors. With a graduate degree from the University of Leicester and as an associate member of the American Psychological Association, Gregg's keynotes and workshops have engaged thousands of people at Fortune 500 companies, governments, and humanitarian organizations worldwide to increase their impact and create positive change.

Links to contact Gregg:

LinkedIn: Gregg Brown

Facebook: GreggBrownTO

Instagram: @greggbrownto

X: @GreggBrownTO

Website: www.BeChangeReady.com

Resources & References

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Ready by Experimentation - with Gemma Ellison | Beyond the Water Cooler

Talent: The Other 8 Boxes - Duncan Targett | Beyond the Water Cooler

Gregg Brown: Articles, Videos, Podcasts... oh my!

Gregg Brown: Future of Work Toolkit

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Developing an agile workforce for the future – Rachel Steele

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Purpose-driven businesses have become much more the norm in terms of what people seek.

Companies know that to attract employees they need to provide opportunities that are meaningful and engaging.

However, retaining your workforce over time is a different challenge.

In this episode of the podcast, Rachel Steele of Huddle joins me to discuss how to engage a workforce so that they stay. That means getting some key factors right, including:

⭐ personal brand

⭐ promotion, progression and recognition

⭐ when bringing our whole-self to work is required

⭐ the need for versatility in an increasingly AI world

⭐ the need for employers to give permission

If you're thinking about how to recruit awesome people and how to keep them engaged, this is for you. Rachel provides some great advice about how to achieve this, starting from a different place to traditional practice.

And if YOU are someone thinking about new opportunities, check out what you should be asking potential employers to feel confident they have your best engagement interests at heart.

Imagine the difference that would make to how you show up at work?!

To find out more, give Rachel a shout....

To dive into the practicalities of creating and leading organisations fit for the future, talk with me.

More about Rachel:

Rachel works in career development for people and their teams, with a person-centred approach to identifying and actioning progression in their work life.

Her own journey has taken in silversmithing and sculptural metalwork, recruitment and head-hunting in marketing and communications, running return-to-work and personal development programmes, and coaching people through many important career decisions.

With over 15 years’ experience in recruiting, head hunting and career advice, for diverse clients including Virgin Trains, Vice Media, Marks & Spencer, Heathrow, Cadbury / Mondelez International, and Magic Light Pictures, she started her own business in 2016 to offer a more holistic approach to career development and building award-winning teams. She offers 1:1 coaching, workshops and recruitment to support clients throughout their career journeys.

Rachel is a Relational Dynamics 1st certified coach (ILM 7 equivalent), and member of the Association of Coaching.

Links to contact Rachel:

LinkedIn:

Rachel Steele

Huddle

Website: www.the-huddle.co.uk

Resources & References

Employee Engagement Guide For Managers - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Squiggly Career by Helen Taper & Sarah Ellis (www.amazingif.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Talent: The Other 8 Boxes – Duncan Targett

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Are you looking to develop tomorrow's leaders to be able to take the business into a different place from where it is today? Or, are you looking for future leaders who most closely resemble those in leadership positions now?

That's a great question that Duncan Targett, my guest on this episode of the podcast, asks when we discuss talent.

And who can resist talking with someone whose surname lends itself so brilliantly to the name of his company, On Targett Consulting?!!

The conversation is spot on, helping listeners think about how your company sets itself apart from others.

We dive into the much maligned 9-box grid to map talent, and Duncan explains how the bedrock of company success is not found in the box that you might think!

He also asks us to consider the all important question: Do people want to develop? It sounds obvious but when did you last ask that of your people? Are opportunities in your organisation based on assumptions? Or are those opportunities even present?

If you're anything to do with talent development, business planning, strategy, L&D, management or leadership, this is for you!

More about Duncan:

Duncan Targett is a Talent Development expert who has worked internationally and consulted at C-level, across multiple industries for the world’s biggest global brands (PepsiCo, Disney, Sportradar and dunnhumby) and has the rare combination of HR and commercial experience.

He works with organisations to develop Talent Development strategies that drive high-performance, enable talent & succession planning and focused L&D.

Links to contact Duncan:

LinkedIn: Duncan Targett

Website: www.ontargettconsulting.com

Resources & References

To develop your people based on the specific needs identified in your organisation, find out more about our Manager and Leadership Labs: Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Brought to you Inhouse, they provide a development opportunity to unpick your specific challenges, learn practical approaches to address them, shape experiments to test changes in practice, and evaluate the impact of new ways of working, all customised to your specific context.

Our next open Lab starts in September 2024 and brings people together from different organisations to share and learn from each other, as challenges are explored and solutions shaped, based on your data.

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Is This Room Free? - the HR careers podcast

Trading Places: Is This Room Free? Leadership Labs – Lisa & Gemma Ellison join Martin Drake

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Martin Drake ripped up the rule book and invited the "dynamic duo" that is Gemma Ellison and myself onto his podcast, Is This Room Free?

We're not HR.

But we are all about people.

In particular, we're focused on enabling people to be and experience their best self.

And enabling them to develop in a way that provides most value to the organisation. All this whilst creating the most engaging experience that means we feel good about what we do.

So in this conversation, we unpick leadership development at its best, which is what we've created with Leadership Labs.

This is about a process for honesty, collaboration, peer support and experiential learning.

That might now sound mainstream but we push the boundaries.

We empower leaders to design experiments that drive positive change in their businesses.

Are you interested in a different way to develop the skills, confidence and ability to problem solve that is required of leaders today?

Whether you're at the top of an organisation or leading a team of people in a managerial role... Leadership Labs will help you.

Get in touch to find out more and benefit from the summer booking discount for our next Open Lab starting in September.

More about Martin:

Martin Drake is founder of Higher - a recruitment agency specialising in the HR and Marketing professions. Over 20 years recruitment experience, including 6 years as a HR Business Partner, his own experience with recruiters led him back to setting up his own recruitment business to give people the level of service and support they want and expect.

Links to contact Martin:

LinkedIn:

Martin Drake

Higher

HR and Marketing recruitment: www.higherwithus.com

Resources & References

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leaders Tell Us: A Unique Approach to Development - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Masculinity for Mental Fitness – Daniel Glyde

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Man up.

Does that phrase make you squirm or is it acceptable to you?

We've all been brought up with a set of beliefs and thoughts about how we should behave. But that puts pressure on people to show up in a certain way. It may no longer be considered acceptable or helpful. And it may mean we're covering up what's really going on.

So, what about permission to be authentic?

My guest, Daniel Glyde, Life Coach & Founder of Positive Masculinity, explores a different approach to mental health. We talk frankly about:

high performance and mental fitness
camaraderie instead of safe spaces
emotional intelligence and soft skills
vulnerability and mindset

Failing to meet the underlying needs for good mental health to be possible reinforces the disconnect between 'my' reality and the support that's available.

We cannot support people to improve their mental health if they don't feel it's relevant and understand the connection with their experience.

Listen to or watch this episode of the podcast for practical advice about improving your own mental wellbeing, mental health, mental fitness or what ever YOU want to call it, and that of your team.

It's time to rip off the badges of honour men can wear when attributing stress and anxiety to being male.

Success is about authenticity, vulnerability, role modelling and giving permission for others to engage in conversations that are critical. Otherwise we continue to do 'good' mental health a dis-service.

More about Daniel:

Daniel Glyde is a transformational life coach and founder of Positive Masculinity. He coaches men who feel stuck and want to change by providing a supportive and empowering environment for them to explore their self-worth, navigate relationship challenges, clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, cultivate confidence, connection, empowerment, purpose, and clarity in their lives.

Links to contact Daniel:

LinkedIn:

Daniel Glyde

Positive Masculinity

Resources & References

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: Missing the Point | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Emotional Intelligence; Empathy vs Sympathy: Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy (youtube.com)

Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting. Stronger. With Stewart Codling, Chief Inspector, Thames Valley Police - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Do Soft Skills Need a Rebrand? with Andrew Bardsley | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide – Shawn Andrews Ed.D. M.B.A (amazon.co.uk)

Men's Health Week 2024 – Men's Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

We need to share our stories | Men's Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

MANUP? | Men's Mental Health Charity

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani (amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Nick O'Neill of Oriel Chambers outlines a modern approach for mental health in a traditional industry that is the legal sector.

He explains that law is known for being a male dominated culture, attracting alpha characters. And that presents a challenge for addressing a very human need, particularly when you consider that many men of the generation that struggle to engage with mental health, are managers. Their perceptions and behaviours have a far-reaching impact.

Add to that Nick's view that most lawyers hate being told what to do and the challenge of billable hours, and you will understand that this is a complex issue.

Nick outlines how the Bar is addressing the layers of cultural complexity to break down barriers.

He shares advice about the need to keep women out - a controversial but informed perspective.

He explains the need to get more people on the bus by creating a commercial case.

And Nick describes the impact of the Merseyside Men's Legal Wellbeing Group, discussing topics such as professional happiness, imposter syndrome and professional goals.

We both detest tick boxes. This is about real life.

Don't let Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Global Wellness Day tomorrow, and International Men's Health Week next week become token gestures. Instead, do something that impacts long term by creating engagement and momentum.

Once you've listened to this podcast, check out what Stuart Codling had to say about the same topic in the police.

These guys have found ways to make a real difference.

How are YOU going about that?

More about Nick:

After a successful career as a litigation solicitor/partner at KLS Law, Nick O'Neill recognised his real passion for people / operational management. Following the completion of his MBA at Nottingham Trent University, Nick moved into full time legal practice management in 2010. Nick has managed at 3 private sector law firms and spent 5 years as the Legal Governance and Practice Manager at Wirral Borough Council. In January 2021, Nick moved to take up the role of Chambers Director at Oriel Chambers in Liverpool. Nick struggled with his own mental health as a young solicitor and after a period of self-development and study, became a Lawcare support worker in 2010. Nick is a Lawcare Champion and regularly speaks on the legal circuit on behalf of Lawcare, communicating the services that this amazing charity provides. Nick is a qualified ILM Level 5 mental health / career coach and regularly coaches young lawyers to assist them with their career goals. In 2024 Nick became the Chair of the Merseyside Legal Men’s Wellbeing Group.

Links to contact Nick:

LinkedIn:

Nick O'Neill

Oriel Chambers

Resources & References

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Make a real difference to your mental health by exploring topics that significantly impact at Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting. Stronger. With Stewart Codling, Chief Inspector, Thames Valley Police | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Are you making the most of the Happiness Advantage? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Imposter Syndrome Podcast - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Prioritise People: unlock the value of a thriving workforce - Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk)

Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leader & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Labs Partners (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Tackling Anxiety Collectively (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) 13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Compassionate Leadership (a better approach for mental health?)

Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

I'm talking about compassionate leadership because it is mental health awareness week. How are those linked, I hear some of you ponder? Well, as those of you who know me well, I'm not really about initiatives or individual-level intervention without thinking about the wider context. You wouldn't put a flourishing seedling in a dark room without water. And, I've been doing quite a lot of work lately working with leadership teams to create space to stop and check in with themselves, each other and where the business is heading.
When we focus on:

psychological safety - by experiencing it
compassion - by thinking about our own limits before looking to care for others
emotional intelligence - by recognising the need to step outside our comfort zones...

We are able to: ✅ align individuals within a team ✅ provide clear direction for the business ✅ increase high performance
And that impacts on good mental health - both for the leadership team and those they lead. Are you bolting on a quick fix or an attempting to solve mental health challenges when they're evident? Or are you taking a preventative approach and creating the right environment for people to be happy and healthy? Are you joining the dots?

Resources & References

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub Email: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

The Shirtless Diver Levels up Wellbeing – Jamie Humphrey, ReechUs

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

➡️ Sick notes are on they way out, according to Sunak.

What does that mean for people needing support to get themselves into a place where they feel ok enough to re-engage with work?

➡️ Employees are more aware of their rights and expect more in terms of 'care', with access to services that aren't about making them 'better' but about enhancing their lifestyle.

How do companies know which specialists are credible, who work as a team, and that provide data to leaders to inform them about their work environment?

Individual and organisational wellbeing go hand-in-hand 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼.

That's why I invited Jamie Humphrey, CEO of ReechUs Wellbeing, to join my podcast. He brings the employee part of the solution to the table, around which I sit, with leaders looking to do something different, meaningful, and that has impact.

Are you looking at the whole solution or have you zoomed in one just one part?

Reech out to Jamie to find out more about ReechUs Wellbeing. He's got space for one more foundational member!

While you're at it, let's chat about the bigger picture in terms of your culture.

It's time to join the dots. It's time for change that reverses the decline in the health of our workforce.

More about Jamie:

Jamie Humphrey is the CEO and founder of ReechUs Wellbeing, a corporate wellness program that gives employees remote access to Therapists, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers and Financial Coaches.

Links to contact Jamie:

LinkedIn:

Jamie Humphrey

ReechUs Wellbeing

Website: www.reechus.com

Resources & References

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis - BBC News

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt (amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Vulnerability, Purpose & the Power of Adversity – Phil Holdcroft

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

From dodging bullets to becoming an executive senior leader of Defence, Phil Holdcroft knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork.

Phil is a decorated combat pilot with a 20-year military career that culminated in designing and delivering the senior leadership programme at the UK Defence Academy. Drawing on life-lessons and experience, he created the ultimate playbook for leadership, resilience and high performance. And that’s what we discuss on the podcast today.

Now officially a veteran (and he's younger than me!), Phil is continuing to pursue his life’s purpose, having founded High Performance Journey, helping others to conquer their Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Join us to find out...

what resilience is really about
how to reverse being unprepared in leadership roles
the power of purpose (and how to find it)
how the 'grandad test' can measure shared vision
how adversity allows us to grow
how increasing diversity reduces blind spots

Phil shares his very moving story that proved pivotal in how he engages with others.

What has been your 'a-ha' experience that caused you to question your practice?

Or are you still sitting comfortably?

More about Phil:

A twenty year first career in the Royal Air Force spanned from leading missions on the battlefield as a helicopter pilot, through to senior leadership roles, designing and delivering strategy for Defence.

Phil's journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Helplessly sitting on the side-lines led to an epiphany. Phil realised his passion for endurance sports could be channeled towards raising critical funds for the miracle workers who saved her life. A near-impossible series of extreme challenges followed, culminating in a 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now a military veteran, Phil has set up 'The High Performance Journey' to pursue his passion for equipping others with the knowledge, skills and mindset for high performance.

Links to contact Phil:

LinkedIn: Phil Holdcroft

Website: www.thehpj.com

Resources & References

13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

'Peak Performance' by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness (amazon.co.uk)

'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday (amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Getting it right for this generation to empower the next – James Elliott, the Sarena Clinic

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Two psychotherapists in conversation...

This episode of the podcast is an interesting one. James Elliott, of the Sarena Clinic, explains what needs to be done now to shape a healthier workforce for the future. And it's simple stuff.

We need to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to empower themselves and their children to experience meaning and fulfilment, and that supports good mental wellbeing.

And we need to demonstrate empathy, based on knowing our teams well, so that we enable human needs to be met....

You know those days when your head is elsewhere because something significant is occupying your brain? Your teenager has become alien to you and you're concerned. Your finances are too tight. You're worried about a medical issue.

What do you need most?

Probably, someone who knows you, who trusts and respects you, and who will give you the time and space you need.

What happens then? You're able to focus on what is front of mind and resume work.

That's better than the common alternative which is to continue work as normal whilst holding the strain of being unable to do what feels most important. Think about the different outcomes in terms of performance, sick leave, burnout and resentment.

What gets in the way of you being human?

More about James:

James Elliott is a psychotherapist, resilience coach, ex British airborne forces, multiple world record holder, father, and author, with an MSc in War + Psychiatry.

As the Head of Psychotherapy at Sarena Clinic, he leads a team of qualified and compassionate professionals who provide high-quality and personalised health care to our clients. James has over 4 years of experience as a psychotherapist, working with veterans, prison leavers, and other vulnerable groups to help them cope with their challenges and find their way in life. He is passionate about using his clinical and academic knowledge to create a supportive and respectful environment for clients, where they can explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, and achieve their goals.

Links to contact James:

LinkedIn: James Elliott MSc

Website: james-elliott.mykajabi.com

Instagram: @jameselliottofficial

The Sarena Clinic: Sarena Clinic

Resources & References

Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Think Yourself Resilient: Harness Your Emotions. Build Your Confidence. Transform Your Life. - James Elliott (amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Sleep: The Hidden Key to Team Working & High Performance – Dr Jill McGarry

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Luckily for us, Dr Jill McGarry is "a geek!"... her words, not mine!

The good news about that is she has a real love for actionable solutions to improve sleep. 💤

And who doesn't need a bit of that in their lives? 😴

In this episode of the podcast we hear, very clearly, why we need to banish beliefs such as...

"YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!"

And we get to grips with practical advice for individuals and employers, including:

✔️ coffee as a recommendation (yes... from a sleep expert!)

✔️ what to do when you can't sleep

✔️ equality

✔️ flexible working

✔️ 4 key factors for sleep hygiene - do YOU know what they are? Are you putting them into practice?

Check out the excellent resources that Jill shares, including those for managers, in the show notes. STOPBANG should become part of your toolkit.

More about Jill:

Dr Jill McGarry is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with mental health issues in the NHS. During this time she has become skilled and experienced in supporting people with sleep issues. In October 2023 Jill decided to leave the NHS because she recognised that companies were a missing piece of the jigsaw in improving sleep for individuals. By focusing on providing support and training to companies regarding sleep we can joinlty reduce staff fatigue, improve team effectiveness and ensure that companies excel.

Links to contact Jill:

LinkedIn: Dr Jill McGarry

Email: info@sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk

Website: www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk

Resources & References

Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com) - Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce webinar

NHS choices (www.nhs.uk)

YouTube Matthew Walker TEDx Sleep talk, others and his book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker | Waterstones

Fast Asleep by Michael Mosley | Waterstones & BBC programme in 2022

Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires (ESS) Epworth Sleepiness Scale | Asthma + Lung UK

(asthmaandlung.org.uk)

STOP BANG questionnaire: Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? STOPBang Questionnaire (britishsnoring.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

SELF HARM: Dispelling myths & shaping solutions (in YOUR company)

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What is self-harm? Possibly not something you associate with yourself. And not a behaviour that you attribute to your colleagues, friends or family members.

But the reality could be very different and that is why this episode of the podcast and the free resource is so important. Self-harm is not uncommon and therefore you need to know about it.

Yaj Buljeean is a trainer and clinician at Harmless, the national leader in this field. She joins me to explore what we mean by self-harm, the stigma around it, and the prevalence and risk factors. Crucially, Yaj provides practical advice for companies to support their employees who are using this behaviour to cope with underlying distress.

If you're reading this thinking this topic isn't relevant. Think again.

According to the WHO, 16 million people worldwide are reported to self-harm. We know that is likely to be an underestimate. My experience alone is that clients hide their behaviour... from their partner, their friends, their employers.

Shame and embarrassment keeps mouths shut.

Convenient for companies? That's no longer okay.

No idea how to think about it or where to start? That's understandable.

And that's why the free, downloadable resource that covers a breadth of mental health disorders, as well as self-harm, has been created. It is a must for anyone looking to demonstrate care towards their workforce. You can get hold of your copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources

Stop passing the buck. National Self Harm Awareness Day is on 1st March. Be part of raising awareness around what is often a misunderstood topic. Find out more and request your media pack to help coordinate your effort here: National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless

Additional resources and podcast conversations about Depression & Anxiety and Addiction can be found here: It's Time for Change: Resources

More about Yaj:

Yaj works for Harmless CIC, a user-led self harm prevention service based in the East Midlands. With nearly 3 years of professional experience and 20 years of personal experience, Yaj aims to normalise the conversation around both self harm and suicide to enable anyone who's struggling to be able to reach out for support. As a trainer and clinician, breaking down barriers to access support is a high priority for her.

Links to contact Yaj:

LinkedIn:

Yaj Buljeean

Harmless

Website: harmless.org.uk

Facebook: The Academy at Harmless: Letstalktraining

X: @Yaj_Harmless

Email: yaj.buljeean@harmless.org.uk

Resources & References

National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless

Harmless has created a Self Harm Work book which aims to help people of all ages to understand and develop insight into their self harming behaviour. If you know anyone who might be struggling, this can be a really great resource and can be purchased through the Harmless online shop: HARMLESS WORKBOOK: WORKING THROUGH SELF HARM (ELECTRONIC DOWNLOAD)

Understanding and Responding to Self Harm. The One Stop Guide: Practical Advice for Anybody Affected by Self-Harm - Allan House

Download the Resources and listen to/watch the episodes: It's Time for Change: Resources

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Do Soft Skills Need a Rebrand? with Andrew Bardsley

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

My LinkedIn post in January that asked the question, 'Do soft skills need a rebrand?' attracted over 40 comments.

Clearly people are interested in this topic.

So it seemed only natural to continue the conversation with someone who shared his view on that post, Andrew Bardsley, Founder of JackHR. As someone who focuses on helping tech companies stand out and keep good people, Andrew has some great insights into a world of both hard and soft skills.

💻 We unpick how soft skills sit alongside tech.

🧠 We consider how AI and human skills will feature in the future of work.

♂️♀️ We explore gender differences and the teaching of soft skills.

🚧 We tackle some of the barriers to investing in the development of these critical skills.

💥 We offer our opinion on how soft skills should be positioned in business to have greatest impact.

🌙 And we discuss getting lost on the moon!

Whether you're interested in leadership development, management development, recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, emotional intelligence, coaching, or psychological safety, there are some little nuggets of wisdom that could just shift some important parts of your practice.

Listen to or watch us talk, and let us know how you go about positioning and developing the not-so-soft-skills in your organisation.

If you want to find the right space for developing such skills in your organisation, Leadership and Manager Labs might just be your thing. Check them out here: Leader & Manager Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

More about Andrew:

Employee retention is a £1Billion problem here in the UK which is why, in 2023, Andrew decided to launch JackHR - a business dedicated to helping scaling tech companies keep hold of their amazing talent.

Andrew's journey started in the North West of England, before making the 300 mile trip north to study Philosophy at The University of Stirling. When he left in 2013, the job market for ancient Greek philosophers was quiet, so he started in HR instead.

Andrew has spent the last decade working with businesses to better support their managers, provide teams with amazing growth opportunities and help individuals thrive through 1:1 coaching.

Links to contact Andrew:

LinkedIn:

Andrew Bardsley

JackHR

TikTok: @jackofallhr

Website: jackhr.com

Resources & References

The Most In-Demand Skills for 2023 | LinkedIn

Focus on 'soft skills' at our Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

11 Essential Soft Skills In 2024 (With Examples) – Forbes Advisor

"Soft Skills" Need A Serious Rebranding Effort. How about "Differentiating Skills"? - Rick Heffernan (linkedIn.com)

Prioritise People: unlock the value of a thriving workforce (www.bitc.org.uk)

Female leadership: the wrongly called soft skills (ie.edu)

Why Soft Skills Are Harder Than They Look (forbes.com)

How women’s leadership programs can boost a company’s organizational health | McKinsey

Balvinder Singh Powar | IE Insights

Liberating Cultures: Putting Psychological Safety into Practice – Sonali Kumarakulasinghe

(itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Men: Developing Allies – with Seb Randle - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

This Fixable Problem Costs U.S. Businesses $1 Trillion (gallup.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Blueprint Interiors Limited

Designing Tomorrow’s Workplace with Rob Day

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Do you know...

🏢 What your office is for?

✅ Which elements to consider when designing workplace where people actively want to spend time?

🌍 What global research tells us about how we can help people do their best work in the many places that work happens?

😊 How to cultivate a joyful workplace environment?

💭 The link between physical workplaces and psychological wellbeing?

🙌 Strategies and frameworks for building a work environment that amplifies productivity, happiness and job satisfaction?

As part of Leicestershire's Innovation Festival session at De Montfort University on 12 February, I'll be joining Rob Day and Chloe Sproston of Blueprint Interiors, Kris Newman of Steelcase, Nicky Harding and Lis Ku from De Montfort University to discuss 'Designing Tomorrow's Workplace'.

Blueprint Interiors have a unique approach to designing workplaces, based on putting people first.

In this podcast, Rob focuses on the psychology behind design, encompassing the Human Givens.

Find out more by listening to or watching the conversation and then book your place at the event here: Event Details for Designing Tomorrow's Workplace: A Blueprint for Innovation (evolutive.co.uk)

More about Rob:

Having studied at the University of Lancaster for a degree in Management Science & Marketing, Rob Day spent a 15-year career in Sales, Design & Project Management in the Commercial Office and Leisure sectors.

In 2001 he founded his business - Blueprint Interiors Limited, a specialist design & fit-out company focused on designing and redeveloping commercial interiors. The company is now recognised as the leading workplace consultancy in the Midlands and this approach has led to significant growth as the economy comes out of the pandemic crisis.

They are firmly established in Ashby de la Zouch – celebrating their 23rd birthday this year - and employ 18 staff directly with many more subcontractors indirectly dependent upon their business throughout the Midlands.

As Chairman & Founder, Rob has successfully overseen the growth of the business and the succession plan to bring the next generation of leaders into the organisation.

Links to contact Rob:

LinkedIn:

Rob Day

Facebook: @BlueprintInteriorsLtd

Instagram: @blueprint.interiors

Website: www.blueprintinteriors.com

Resources & References

Human Givens Institute: Holistic & Scientific Approach To Your Needs (hgi.org.uk)

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Blueprint Interiors: Latest Research on the Future of our Workspaces (www.blueprintinteriors.com)

Cognitive Strategies to De-stress (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Blueprint Interiors News and Insights (www.bluprintinteriors.com)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leaders Tell Us: A Unique Approach to Development

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The people who need the most development and most time are leaders, but they are precisely the people who don't invest in themselves. Are you one of them?

That's why Gemma Ellison of Heart Leadership and I created Labs.

Leanne Ledger, Senior Brand Strategist and Partner at Emperor, and Sarah Cockroft, Manager at OceanWise Ltd join Gemma and I in this podcast to share the impact that a new approach to development has had for them.

We contrast a conscious process that centres around being human, with traditional models of leadership and manager training. We hear how Labs have changed practice in terms of creating space for people to become more self-aware, to think, to plan and to perform well.

And that's hugely important when people in these roles usually focus on supporting others; turning the lens to look inwards is empowering.

Using a test and learn approach requires analysis, hypotheses and creativity. When we apply that process to our real-world challenges, we grow and innovate.

Whether the focus is about understanding your place and purpose as a leader, or feeling confident to try new things and reduce pressure on ourselves to be perfect, there is real value from engaging with these topics. Learn about what's most relevant to you. Could that be...

❓ how you show up for your team or within your peer group, and for your self in terms of mental wellbeing?

❓ how to lead aspects of your business better, from change and uncertainty, to emotional intelligence, psychological safety, or having effective conversations?

What is it that Leanne or Sarah say that appeals to you? I'd challenge anyone to listen to their experience and not feel a teeny bit inspired! 💡👏🏼

Find out more about the Labs here or drop us a line to have a chat.

If you're interested in bringing Labs in-house, 🏢 reach out to Gem or I. We're excited about the interest we've had in a company-based approach to developing people.

2024 might just be your year for trying something new!

More about Leanne:

Leanne Ledger is a Senior Brand Consultant at Emperor, a corporate communications agency. She works with businesses to help define and articulate what makes them distinct, relevant and authentic to create a strategy and positioning that will elevate their reputation, inspire and motivate their people and make them more competitive and successful. With over 20 years in advertising and brand strategy, Leanne is also passionate about people development, ED&I, allyship and sustainability, so is involved in other initiatives as well as being lead singer in a ten-piece band (which has its own joys and challenges)!

Links to contact Leanne:

LinkedIn:

Leanne Ledger

Emperor

Website: emperor.works

More about Sarah:

Sarah has just started at OceanWise as Monitoring Manager for the oceanographic monitoring team. She is very excited to start something new and to join a growing team supporting ports, harbours, marine operations teams around the world.

Sarah has been an oceanographer her whole career, gradually shifting from a practical on-a-boat oceanographer to a team leader. She has always been a people-person and firmly believe that people will be more invested in the cause if they are engaged, challenged, trusted, and respected. She loves mentoring people, especially those early in their careers, and think it is so important to give people time and encouragement in their development.

Links to contact Sarah:

LinkedIn:

Sarah Cockroft

OceanWise

More about Gemma:

Gemma Ellison, Leadership and Culture Director and founder of Heart Leadership, knows that employee engagement is at an all time low (it’s estimated that only 15% of employees are engaged globally). That’s where Heart Leadership comes in; they evolve organisational culture to create environments where people feel genuinely valued, inspired and empowered. The result? Increased happiness, productivity, innovation and profit.

Gemma's journey started as a lawyer. Someone once described her as having a ‘sensitivity for the human condition’. That sensitivity and curiosity about human behaviour led her to pivot, turning her attention to workplace culture.

As Director of Culture, she's seen first hand the remarkable impact of nurturing a purpose driven work environment. This happens by design - not by accident. The world is changing rapidly, and the way most organisations currently work isn’t fit for purpose, both for now and moving into the future. She believes in experimenting within organisations to find unique, bespoke ways to enhance culture.

Links to contact Gemma:

LinkedIn: Gemma Ellison

Email: gemma@heart-leadership.co.uk

Resources & References

Find out more here: Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Download the 40-minute Lab webinar and accompanying PDF here

Managers… Just Managing? with Sarah Cockroft - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Did you know...

Only 46% of employees trust their manager to do what is right, dropping to 32% for senior leaders?
72% leaders report they feel used up at the end of the day, an increase of 12% from 2020?
Fewer than half of leaders find their jobs purposeful. Yet, leaders with a strong sense of purpose are 9 times more likely to feel engaged?
Only 29% companies train for the crucial skills that leaders want to develop.

The world is evolving. Expectations are changing. The impact on your people is real.

Our world is becoming more experimental, pushing boundaries, stepping outside the norm. As Marshall Goldsmith says, "What got you here won't get you there."

And so your practice must shift to stay ahead of the game.

💭 We need peers with whom we can unpick challenges and explore new ways to think about them.

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑 We crave a human, interactive experience for development; to emotionally connect and focus on what matters most to us.

🔬 We feel excited by the ability to learn, apply, test and review.

How are you making that happen?

Regardless of size, your organisation can apply key principles adopted by the likes of Booking.com and Toyota, to increase engagement and performance.

In this podcast, Gemma Ellison and I discuss how, including the need to create a meaningful space for experimentation to happen. Given the constant battle for time and attention, that's a significant challenge.

But, it's worth it. Your people know what is most meaningful and what's most likely to enable greater success. Finding a way to nurture that is key.

Access the webinar that dives into this in greater depth here: Leadership and Manager Labs

Don't:

❌ leave the development of your people and processes to chance

❌ use existing processes simply because 'that's the way we do things'

❌ grab a quick fix or be persuaded by marketing that promotes a blanket approach

Instead:

✔️ identify what your people observe, need and are inspired to try

✔️ urge them to plan new ways of working, test and evaluate with intention

✔️ create a healthy, thriving, high-performing and empowered workforce

Join the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft who have found experimentation to be a game changer.

How are you 💡empowering💡 your employees to shape the future of work?

More about Gemma:

Links to contact Gemma:

LinkedIn: Gemma Ellison

Email: gemma@heart-leadership.co.uk

Resources & References

Contact me for an experiment design template to support your process.

Find out more here: Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

RETHINK Being Human at Work – with Gemma Ellison, Macmillan Cancer Support - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

50th episode! What’s changed & where are we heading as humans at work? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Steven Bartlett - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Investor, BBC Dragon

What Got You Here - MARSHALL GOLDSMITH

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

ADDICTION Unveiling the Shadows: Understanding the Complexity and Providing Support

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Is your organisation fuelling addiction?

Do you understand the causes and triggers that can lead to someone engaging with addictive behaviour?

Do you know the behaviours that might constitute addiction, or that could manifest into addiction?

Richie Paxton of the EPIC Restart Foundation has lived experience. He joins Amantha King and I to share a heap of insight about how to be more aware and support people living with addiction, including those impacted by someone else using this behaviour.

If you think this topic is not relevant for you, watch this short film produced for #AddictionAwarenessWeek2023: Everybody Knows Somebody... it's 17 minutes that could change so much.

Everybody knows someone.

The downloadable Addiction resource is part of a series that so far also features a resource for Depression & Anxiety. It is full of advice about making addiction relevant to YOU and your organisation, including what to look for and how to help.

Get your free copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources

Harmful behaviours can quickly snowball when we experience a significant life event, unmet emotional needs, or we don't have appropriate coping strategies to deal with life's challenges.

Richie shares his story. It reminded me of the incredible novel I read recently, Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. Addiction is a reality.

Our conversation also reminded me that we often have NO idea about what's going on for people behind their mask. We make assumptions about people's lives, particularly when they appear to have all they need to be happy. But perception is a very unique thing.

You don't need to fix the problems.

But you do need to hold space for people.

Space is a recurring theme, whether I'm focusing on mental wellbeing, workplace culture or leadership and management. Get this right and you'll get a lot right in terms of looking after your people.

Find out more in the resource.

Get in touch for help to develop your workforce to have compassionate conversations and to gain confidence supporting and empowering employees to live their best selves.

Back to my first question. Are you fuelling addiction or are you part of the solution?

Resources & References

Everybody Knows Somebody - feature edit (17mins) - Addiction Awareness Week 2023. - YouTube

Download the Resources and listen to/watch the episodes: It's Time for Change: Resources

Signs of Addiction - Spot the Danger - Blueprints for Recovery

Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work - Overview - HSE

Guidance for managing drug and alcohol misuse at work | CIPD

Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work | CIPD

Drugs and alcohol in the workplace | TUC

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco: A Toolkit For Employers (bitc.org.uk)

Wellness Action Plan Sign Up - Mind

Proactive Wellbeing Monitoring Platform | Govox

William Porter book - Alcohol Explained | The definitive, ground breaking guide to alcohol, alcoholism and addiction

Emotional Needs Audit (ENA) | Human Givens Institute (hgi.org.uk)

Support organisations:

Taking Action On Addiction | A campaign website to bring more understanding and help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction

Substance Abuse | UKAT Blog

Addiction Helper - The UK's Number 1 Addiction Resource Site

EPIC Restart Foundation | Home

Problem Gambling Resources & Harm Reduction | EPIC Risk Management | EPIC Risk Management

Self-Harm and Addiction | UK-Rehab

Drug and alcohol addiction - useful contacts - Mind

Links to contact Richie:

LinkedIn:

Richie Paxton

EPIC Restart Foundation

Website: EPIC Restart Foundation | Home

More about Amantha:

Amantha King is a Workplace Menopause Coach & Strengths Development Consultant

She combines NLP coaching, neuroscience and wellbeing elements to guide companies and their employees to achieve their potential through strategies that focus on self-reflection, peak performance pathways and creating environments where employees can flourish.

By looking at the whole person, Amantha creates positive transformations that have lifelong positive outcomes. She is driven in educating and providing support through menopause awareness and training and is an advocate for sharing best practice within organisations who are looking to support their teams through meaningful actions. Her 3-step menopause programme assists companies in retaining their pool of talent through strong cultural principles and 121 menopause coaching

Links to contact Amantha:

LinkedIn: Amantha King

Instagram:

@amanthakingcoaching

@mymenocoach

YouTube: Amantha King Coaching - YouTube

Website: www.amanthakingcoaching.com

Email: amanthakingcoaching@gmail.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting. Stronger. With Stewart Codling, Chief Inspector, Thames Valley Police

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

A Chief Inspector is not necessarily the first person who springs to mind as the driving force for self-care, better mental health and launching a podcast!

But Stewart Codling of Thames Valley Police is modelling exactly how leaders can embrace the challenge of changing expectations by doing things differently.

Stewart joins me on my podcast to explain how he is going about improving mental health, particularly for men in a traditional industry.

Police are people who wear a metaphorical cape each day to protect others. It's entirely different asking them to look inwards to protect themselves. That requires removing the cape and being vulnerable.

Stewart is an 'ordinary' guy. Actually, he's quite incredible. But that's because he's chosen to be - he's not an expert in mental health. His expertise is in being a human, and specifically male.

He has made his intention clear to improve mental health for men at work, and he is actively finding ways to show people how policing can be different.

That's important. It blows the excuses about 💥 our organisation being too big 💥our industry being too traditional/ male, out of the water.

Stewart is clear that being an advocate for mental health does not displace who he really is. It does not affect his status or detract from his ability to be 'tough' when that's called for.

But it does improve empathy, compassion and the ability to have conversations that really make a difference. It empowers people. Stewart shares the evidence.

We discuss so much, including individual responsibility, prostate screening, and webinar topics such as 'male behaviour at Christmas.'

Being clumsy during conversations is fine, as long as you're listening, and sometimes talking. Stewart's words as we discussed humility said it all...

"If I make a fool of myself I don't care. I'm going to do it anyway."

How able are you to get beyond your status and do something different, because you know it's right for someone else⁉️

Does your mask of expectation, hierarchy and control hold you back⁉️

P.S. Listen to find out why Stewart says he's a fig roll!!!

More about Stewart:

Stewart has been with his wife for 22 years and they have 3 children who continually amaze and inspire them; he adores his family. Stewart has been in policing 4 years longer, serving with two police forces, West Yorkshire and Thames Valley Police. He has been lucky to have been a detective, in firearms roles and latterly to have held the role of Chair of their Men's Forum, TVP's staff support network for men facing challenges. He is proud to lead on work to reform the paternity pay provision within the force, as well as talking about and promoting suicide prevention. He loves policing.

Links to contact Stewart:

LinkedIn: Stewart Codling

Thames Valley Police

Resources & References

Home | Thames Valley Police

Police Federation of England & Wales (polfed.org)

Home - The Curtis Palmer Program

Pilgrim Bandits

Blue Light Card Foundation – Giving back to those who give most

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Sabotaging your resilience and wellbeing? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) - Don't worry about getting it right!

Reducing Overwhelm with Simple, Curious, Creative Leadership – with Carla Maroussas - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

* New study: Bad managers and toxic work culture causing one in three staff to walk - CMI

Managers… Just Managing? with Sarah Cockroft

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Bad managers are causing one in three staff to walk*.

Luckily for OceanWise, Sarah Cockcroft isn't one of these managers. She is only two weeks into her role there, but she is going in with her eyes wide open to what is needed of her.

Sarah has the benefit of hindsight. She is not new to management and that is why I invited her to join me to discuss the very real problems that are existing in many organisations today.

Instead of starting with clear ideas about what she wants, she has armed herself with questions to find out what her team needs of her. Sarah knows that this will help her identify how to be, and where to spend her time.

Are you that confident in your role?

Probably not when you consider data from the CMI that found as many as 82% of new managers in the UK are “accidental managers” – embarking on the role with no formal training in management or leadership.

Sarah explains key ideas that managers and leaders need to explore and consciously develop:

the timing of training for managers new into their role
essential skills; what manager development should focus on
vulnerability and authenticity when you're under pressure
the importance of knowing someone has your back
key factors for shaping a successful team
how to have good one-to-ones
the different roles of managers and leaders; can they be the same person?
THE NEED FOR TIME AND SPACE!

If you're still not convinced that you need to do anything after listening to Sarah, find out how much money your company spends on recruitment vs retention.

And look at your wider data. How many of YOUR employees are walking?

🫵 If you would like help understanding what good support and development looks like for managers, get in touch. Whether it's workshops, coaching or the Labs that were discussed in the podcast, we can shape practice together that enables both your managers and their teams to thrive.

Reach out to Sarah too - she is an awesome manager with a wealth of experience.

More about Sarah:

Links to contact Sarah:

LinkedIn:

Sarah Cockroft

OceanWise

Resources & References

Leadership and management: an experimental approach Tickets, Wed 29 Nov 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite

Mind Guide for Line Managers: Wellness Action Plans

How I support Managers My work with companies | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stay Interviews: Should I Stay or Should I Go? – with Emma Browning - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

New study: Bad managers and toxic work culture causing one in three staff to walk - CMI

Prioritise People: unlock the value of a thriving workforce -Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Art of Reinvention with Courtney Hobbs

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

What are you growing? 🪴

Is the PH level in your environment producing what you want?

And what have you grown into?

Are you in the right soil?

Have you become what you WANT to be? What you NEED to be?

I was inspired when I heard Courtney Hobbs share his experience during a session where we both presented for macmillan cancer earlier this year.

Today he joins me to expand on his story that includes a need to fit in and how quickly things can get out of control. His earlier life meant his eyes were opened to how easily we can become what we don't want to be, if we don't choose how to live life.

That's about intention.

And for Courtney, it was about the art of reinvention.

Courtney has THE best laugh, energy and sense of humour.

He is an ❤️‍🔥 AWESOME ❤️‍🔥 story-teller.

His take on resilience is completely grounded and relatable. I love his underlying theme of change.

As Courtney says, most things in life aren't permanent. We could do ourselves a favour by reducing self-inflicted pressure to get things right, from the start. As he so brilliantly says, don't build a house where you should pitch a tent 🏕️ - recognise the need to pause and take stock, or try something new, without it having to be the place to stay long term.

"Love your family, work hard, stay humble, and be kind!" That advice is spot on Courtney. You don't need to be an intellectual to know what's important. And in fact, the simplicity of these messages is what makes them so powerful.

How do you keep your sense of perspective and ability to adapt as your self awareness grows on your journey?

More about Courtney:

Courtney is an all round creative thinker and is passionate about photography and video content. Starting out as a freelance photographer and having success with working with brands such as OK Magazine, Chang Beer, Mecca Bingo, Team GB, Dulux and many more he, alongside his business partner Jack, have built an innovative content creation business called Collective which enables brands all across the UK and beyond to have access to high quality content usually only reserved for big brands with big budgets. Courtney is passionate about and dedicated to his work and family and has a unique outlook on how to tackle life's problems and how to chase your dreams, largely due to his experiences growing up.

Links to contact Courtney:

LinkedIn:

Courtney Hobbs

Collective Digital Uk

Instagram: @court.hobbs

Website: collectivedigital.uk

Resources & References

Trading Places: RESILIENCE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – Lisa is interviewed by Get Radio - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resilience and Reality - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)From Struggle to Strength: The Power of Resilience – Dave Greenaway, Life in Business - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY: Effective strategies for nurturing the black dog - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Watch this episode on YouTube

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY: Effective strategies for nurturing the black dog

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Did you know that in Q3 of 2022-23, antidepressants were the most prescribed class of drug?

More and more people are struggling with anxiety and depression, yet we conveniently turn a blind eye. It's easier to assume that employers are not responsible. However, when we consider the significant role work plays in mental health, whether that's adding to problems, or in contrast creating the conditions to thrive, we must take a collective responsibility.

This resource is all about depression and anxiety. It focuses on what you need to know to support the people in your organisation. It brings you practical, down-to-earth, realistic advice and strategies.

To accompany the launch of this resource, David Saab of The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Gabriel, Chief Commercial Officer at CardMedic, join Amantha King and I to discuss their experience of depression and anxiety in the workplace. They share what they have learned and what they know would have helped, with the benefit of hindsight.

Our intention is that people can use these lessons and our resource to engage purposefully with this agenda from the outset.

Turning the ongoing decline in mental health goes beyond webinars and self-care. This is about the fundamentals of good business that puts relationships and human needs at the heart of every-day practice.

Some of my key take-aways from this conversation:

❗️ Having the knowledge to articulate our feelings is important.

❓ How have you enabled your workforce to be self-aware and communicate effectively?

❗️ We need space to explore and make connections between how we feel and what we experience.

❓ How are you intentionally creating space to have meaningful conversations that unpick the impact of what people experience?

❗️ Nothing is more important than trust, and having peers who have your back and with whom you have genuine relationships.

❓ How do you put this aspect of your practice centre stage?

❗️ Companies claim to be more understanding but in reality people can still be reluctant to admit they're struggling.

❓ Do you know who is NOT speaking up?

Get beyond the eye-rolling of sceptics in your company by asking:

❓What is the evidence that what you currently do is working?

❓What do your numbers really show, for example around employee absence?

❓How onboard and competent are your leaders and managers to fulfil their responsibility?

It's time to challenge traditional ways of doing business and the 'easy' fixes that add to the noise. Instead, really examine practice within your organisation and start from a focus on what it means to be human. Compassion makes a real difference to employee performance.

Fact. Simple.

Download your free resource now: It's Time for Change: Resources

Let me know what you find most helpful, and what you need help with.

Resources & References

Download the Resources and listen to/watch the episodes: It's Time for Change: Resources

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Managing Anxiety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Anxiety: Revealing the Truth - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com)

Supporting Mental Health at Work | CIPD The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk).

A short video explaining the resource and emotional needs: Is your wellbeing being affected by self-isolation? - Human Givens

Wellness Action Plan download | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems

Mental Health Onboarding – Anna Harrington & Lisa LLoyd | LinkedIn

Mental Health Onboarding - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

What do we mean by suicide prevention? - YouTube

Benefits of Working Outdoors - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tool kit for employers wanting to develop a strategy around mental health: bitc-wellbeing-toolkit-mentalhealthforemployers-Jan2020.pdf

Responding to suicide risk in the workplace: a guide for people professionals (cipd.co.uk)

Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts | Samaritans If you think it's an emergency | Samaritans

Suicide prevention: Steve Phillip | LinkedIn Suicide prevention toolkit for workplaces Reducing the Risk - NSPA

More about Amantha:

Amantha King is a Workplace Menopause Coach & Strengths Development Consultant

Links to contact Amantha:

LinkedIn: Amantha King

Instagram:

@amanthakingcoaching

@mymenocoach

YouTube: Amantha King Coaching - YouTube

Website: www.amanthakingcoaching.com

Email: amanthakingcoaching@gmail.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Outstanding End-to-End Employee Experience with Mike Mair

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

I love talking with people about exceptional employee experience, and Mike Mair is one of those people who knows a thing or two about it. He is passionate about helping people grow and develop.

This conversation is a step-by-step exploration of EX throughout the employee lifecycle. It follows a road map that includes:

📌Recruitment

📌Onboarding

📌Training

📌Work environment

📌Leadership

📌Strategy and vision

📌Outstanding team

📌High performance

📌Balance

📌People Development

📌Culture

📌Reward and recognition

📌Accelerated learning

📌Business intelligence

That was a lot to cover in an hour (which is why it's a smidge more). But it's worth it.

If you are motivated to provide an outstanding 'end to end' employee experience, this episode of the podcast is not to be missed.

Listen or watch and then let's talk. This is our area of expertise so we can help you create the space, reflect on current practice, and shape the future. And that enables you to focus more effectively on your area of expertise. Connect with Mike, and let us know where you're at on the journey.

More about Mike:

Mike Mair is a highly professional and qualified Learning & Development (L&D) Director FCIPD with significant knowledge and experience gained leading major change and transformation initiatives ensuring talent attraction, development, and retention. He has a proven ability to work at board level developing and executing key L&D strategies facilitating business and people growth. Mike is proud of building high-performing teams that deliver commercial results with true customer focus. He prides himself on his ability to develop strong and sustainable business relationships built on trust and respect and use of his people-focused strengths and value set. Mike wants to influence and inspire.

Links to contact Mike:

LinkedIn: Mike Mair

Facebook: mike.mair.98

Website: www.mairdevelopment.co.uk

Resources & References

Mental Health Onboarding Course | Lisa LLoyd | LinkedIn

How It's Time for Change helps shape employee experience: My work with companies | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Developing the Intelligent Young Footballer Paperback by Mike Mair (amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Situational Leadership with Chris Chamberlain

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

From being told he wouldn’t get anywhere in life, to becoming Operations Manager at Guernsey Mind, Chris Chamberlain likes to challenge expectations!

In this episode of the podcast, we delve into shaping yourself as an intentional leader, and the style of situational leadership.

We consider the balance between being authentic and changing our style to suit others. How do we get self-awareness, empathy and being proactive right?

Chris explains how to challenge existing practice to do what is right despite constant push-back. He identifies what it takes to lead in such a deliberate way, and the advantages of doing so.

There are some great resources too, for understanding situational leadership, the pros and cons, necessary qualities, and case-examples.

What is your style of leadership?

If you're not sure about a label to describe it, don't worry. What is important is that you are intentionally creating and adapting your style to best suit you and your team.

❓ Want to know how? Let's chat over a coffee ☕.

More about Chris:

Chris Chamberlain's passion is human and workplace performance through situational leadership. He is the operations manager for Guernsey Mind, and oversees workplace training, therapy services, and events and campaigns.

Links to contact Chris:

LinkedIn:

Chris Chamberlain

Guernsey Mind

Website: www.guernseymind.org.gg

Resources & References

What Is Situational Leadership, and How Do You Practice It? (leaders.com)

What is situational leadership? (With examples and traits) (www.indeed.com)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Consider yourself a good leader? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

People First for Business Success - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Power of Skeins – John Hibbs, CoEfficient - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders by L. David Marquet

MindSpring Presents: "Greatness" by David Marquet (www.youtube.com)

Finding Success In Happiness | Chris Chamberlain | DisruptHR Talks

Stop Ticking the Boxes! | Chris Chamberlain | DisruptHR Talks

Management in 10 Words by Terry Leahy (books.google.gg)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (www.amazon.com)

Hersey And Blanchard Situational Leadership Model (thinkinsights.net)

20 Types Of Leadership Styles (helpfulprofessor.com)

What is an Empathetic Leader? (Plus Tips On How To Become One) (www.indeed.com)

What They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School by Mark H. McCormack (www.amazon.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Men: Developing Allies – with Seb Randle

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Allyship.

Seb Randle and I discuss what makes this an important topic... FOR MEN.

Women are great at promoting women, but without men onboard, we hit a glass ceiling.

But it's not 'all about the women at the expense of men'.

We need to get beyond stereotypes and look at a more inclusive approach that benefits everyone.

We discuss the all important question for much of the workforce: What's in it for men?

Every individual in an organisation has a part to play. Every individual benefits.

We also discuss:

Barbie
Privilege
Male Suicide
Body Dysmorphia

There are a number of great resources in the show notes.

⁉️ What do YOU do to promote people less privileged than you in your workplace⁉️

More about Seb:

Seb Randle is an ex media strategist and Director, now delivering coaching services to creative businesses across the UK through his people focused consultancy, The Helpful Space. He was the first ever Development Coach at Global Social Media Agency Social Chain, and was more recently hired as the first ever Head of Allyship for Bloom North, a not for profit committee supporting the development of women within the comms industry.

Links to contact Seb:

LinkedIn:

Seb Randle

The Helpful Space

Instagram: @thehelpfulspace

Resources & References

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Framework for Discussion: Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Katy Leeson | LinkedIn

Men Leaning In Survey (Token Man)

How To Be A Better Ally To Women (Seb Randle LinkedIn)

Why Allyship Matters: A Lived Example (The Helpful Space, Instagram)

She Believed She Could, So She Did (Bloom North article, Seb Randle)

Masculinity In The Workplace (Token Man)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Chief People Officer: In the Spotlight – with Olivia Sharp

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Olivia Sharp, Partner in HR Practice at Eton Bridge Partners, has produced the Chief People Officer Pathway Report, a comprehensive set of findings based on research into the CPO role. She joined me on the podcast to discuss the outcomes and how we apply that to the world of HR and the future of work.

We discuss terminology and how HR titles can be a controversial subject.

We explore differences in internal/ external appointments, gender and geography.

We consider squiggly careers and routes into the CPO role.

Olivia shares her observations about career breaks becoming an opportunity for curiosity rather than judgement.

And we talk about the importance of sector experience and diversity of thought.

As usual, joining the dots came up and Olivia made the connection with ESG, mental health, wellbeing and performance.

Match-making and husbands also come up!

The over-arching message that I took from this conversation was the fact that there are no 'rules'. Individual people and organisations have to be clear about the specifics that are important to them, whether that's about gaps, energy, interests or strengths.

Data is vital. As a psychologist, I want to know what works, what doesn't, and most importantly, why. But organisations are becoming more interested in data too. Being able to hypothesise, analyse and test approaches in your unique context is essential. That's why I'm a fan of Leadership Labs - find out more here: Leadership and Manager Labs

More about Olivia:

Olivia specialises in executive search for EtonBridge Partners’ HR Practice, with a primary focus on Chief People Officers and their teams. Her practitioner background in HR, gained in senior positions in a FTSE100 environment, combined with extensive general management experience, is a unique combination for clients and candidates alike. Eton Bridge Partners is a market leading executive search, interim management and consulting business operating all over the world, from our offices in London and Windsor. A Chartered Member of the CIPD, Olivia has a particular interest in diversity in the workplace, particularly mental health, social mobility and neurodiversity, and uses her first hand experience of delivering business turnarounds and wide scale people change, including complex industrial relations environments to support clients of all shapes and sizes, globally. Closer to home, she was delighted to support Eton Bridge itself shift to a 9 day working fortnight 10 months ago. Outside of work, Olivia is ‘Mummy’ to three young children and is proud to ‘parent loudly’ at work, and tries to squeeze in a bit of running, cycling and ballroom dancing in between everything else!

Links to contact Olivia:

LinkedIn:

Olivia Sharp

Eton Bridge Partners Ltd

Website: etonbridgepartners.com

Resources & References

ESG: Be the change – there’s no PLANet B – with Nicola Weir, Deloitte (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The evolving role of a chief people officer | The Independent

Link to the full report: Chief People Officer Pathways Report 2023 - Eton Bridge Partners

Chief Financial Officer Pathways Report 2023 - Eton Bridge Partners

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Failure to Succeed: A Leader’s View – with Mike Brennan

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you have a 'JOB'?

According to Mike's dad, job stands for 'Just Over Broke'. Not very inspiring, energising or engaging if you want to live a meaningful, fulfilled life.

As an entrepreneur, Michael Brennan is anything but that.

In this honest and self-aware conversation, Mike shares his challenges, what he has learnt, and in his view, what leading a business is all about.

We get to grips with:

Reinventing ourselves to intentionally become who we want, learning from past experience
The balance when setting up and growing a business with self care (and getting it wrong)
Qualitative vs quantitative data to inform organisational development
DEI and fairness and how to integrate different generational expectations within a workforce
The need to amplify voices and to listen
Clarity about strengths to maintain energy and mental wellbeing

⁉️ Do you know how to protect YOURSELF in your position of leading others?

And are you doing that, for your own performance and wellbeing?

⁉️ Do you feel confident asking THE questions that really reveal what's going on beneath the surface of your company?

Do you know what those questions are?

⁉️ Do you feel able to fulfil the role that is required of you by your team?

Do you REALLY know what that is (no assumptions allowed!)?

I have 20 years experience as a psychologist. Supporting people to be their best selves and to create the right spaces for others to feel good and perform well is what I do.

To understand more about leading with success from someone who has been there, done it and who has heaps of great advice, Mike is your man.

Check out Stribe and Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter for more resources to help you on your journey.

More about Mike:

'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again'

Michael Brennan loves turning ideas and visions into global businesses.

An experienced CEO, he has raised over +£2m in Angel and VC investment to date and scaled businesses to £500k ARR. His passion is starting businesses and empowering teams to lead these businesses to success.

People > Product > Profit. In that order.

Mike's life objectives are the 3 B's:

1. Be happy

2. Be healthy

3. Build a billion £ company

His awards include Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur of the Year, GP Bullhound Northern Star Winner, Tech Nations Rising Star Winner, North West’s most exciting company 2020, Nominet Trust 100 global social tech for good winner, and shortlisted for EY Entrepreneur Rising Star.

Mike's experience includes: 10 years' experience as SaaS Co-Founder and CEO, developing 2x software products; raising £2 million to date across Angel & VC networks; growing Tootoot Ltd to £450k ARR; recruiting and managing teams; chairing boards; creating and managing 2x advisory boards; appointing high-profile Chairperson's including Terry Flanagan and Tim Raffle; generating £2 million in sales; average enterprise annual contract value of £42,000; securing UK and International sales across 11 countries; and securing Government contracts and independent evaluation.

Links to contact Mike:

LinkedIn: Mike Brennan

Resources & References

Trading Places: RESILIENCE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – Lisa is interviewed by Get Radio - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Consider yourself a good leader? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Am I a Good Leader? A Changing and Diverse Role – Gail Cohen, GCVA - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Are leaders all they’re cracked up to be? – with Stuart Neilson - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Pulse Surveys - Stribe - Flexible surveys for dispersed employees (stribehq.com)

The Charter | GM Good Employment Charter

Tech Nation's Rising Stars 2020 - winning pitch - Michael Brennan (YouTube.com)

tootoot - Sky News - Michael Brennan (YouTube.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

aneurin-bevan-university-health-board

Addressing Avoidable Employee Harm – with Andrew Cooper & Dr Adrian Neal

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Avoidable employee harm.

What springs to mind when you hear that term?

I think it sums up brilliantly the damage that processes can have on organisations and individuals when they fail to focus enough on humans at the heart of them.

And let's be honest, many processes have been shaped historically, or exist simply because that's what was put in place without much consideration of the big picture.

But is there a better way... One that cares for employees, the organisation as a whole, and their customers ⁉️

Those are some of the points that Andrew Cooper, Head of the ‘Avoidable Employee Harm’ Programme, and Dr Adrian Neal, Head of the Employee Wellbeing Service, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, NHS Wales address in this episode of the podcast.

Hear about the case of Alex, and how responses to his mistake impacted on what happened for him and his organisation.

It's a question of formal routes vs a compassionate approach.

Which do you revert to❓ And why❓

And does embarrassment about not getting it right YET hinder progress? We need to acknowledge that things could be better in order for us to invest in making the right connections and having the conversations that put the 'human' back into business.

If you're keen to challenge the status quo but feeling overwhelmed about where to start, listen, be inspired and start asking the questions about your practice.

And if you would like someone to walk with you on that journey, reach out.

More about Andrew & Adrian:

Andrew Cooper is head of programmes for the ‘avoidable employee harm’ work within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and is currently undertaking research exploring the implementation of disciplinary investigations in the NHS and their impact on both individuals and organisations. With a background in healthcare improvement and innovation, he has held senior communications roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors, including director of communications for Public Health Wales and Life Sciences Hub Wales.

Dr Adrian Neal qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2003 and for the first ten years worked within NHS England's Adult Community and Acute Adult Mental Health Services. Moving to Wales in 2014 to take up the role of Head of Wellbeing within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, he has been involved in a number of collaborative projects with the Welsh Ambulance Service, Welsh NHS Finance Academy, Gwent Police, Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, London Air Ambulance, Health Education and Innovation Wales, Powys University Health Board, National Academy of Head Teachers (Wales) and Welsh Government.

Links to contact Andrew & Adrian:

LinkedIn:

ajcooper40

adrian-neal

X (Twitter):

@cooperaj

@dradrianneal

Website: Improving Employee Investigations (NHS Wales Leadership Portal)

Resources & References

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Where do we turn (and why) when apples ‘go bad’? | Harm & Evidence Research Collaborative (open.ac.uk)

Michael West: Compassionate and inclusive leadership - Bing video

Just Culture - Summary - Bing video (Sidney Dekker)

Self-Determination Theory: How It Explains Motivation (simplypsychology.org)

Research: 'The impact of poorly applied human resources policies on individuals and organisations' (www.magonlinelibrary.com)

Improving employee investigations Resource Hub (NHS Wales Leadership Portal)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Wellness Washing: Are you guilty? With Kathy Heath of Healthy Minds Club

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Kathy Heath of the Healthy Minds Club, a personalised health and wellbeing platform that connects users with experts, products and services to achieve better wellbeing and lifestyle goals, joins me today.

As one of the 'experts' at the club, I was excited to be talking with Kathy about proactive approaches to wellbeing in this episode of the podcast.

We cover everything from HSE to ESG, and wellbeing strategies that really make a difference.

This episode is very timely as Healthy Minds Club is hosting an event The Roadmap to a Healthy Mind & Healthy Workforce on 26 September, in London. I'll be there talking about careers and workloads, and personality types and imposter syndrome. The agenda demonstrates just how holistic their approach is.

Employers or those serving employers who would want to come as a VIP, with a complimentary ticket, should contact Kathy directly at hello@healthymindsclub.com. Hope to see you there!!

And if you're listening to this after the event, don't fret! Reach out to Kathy or myself for more info about best practice.

More about Kathy:

Kathy Heath is a Multi Award Winning Entrepreneur with a 20+ year career in senior positions in Financial Services across retail banking, Issuing (Credit, Gift, Prepaid), acquiring & open banking globally and more recently in the Wellbeing space. Kathy speaks 4 languages and lives in the North West with her 10 year old son and her husband.

As a long time leader of people, Kathy is passionate about people & wellbeing and has founded two wellbeing companies. Most recently, the Healthy Minds Club, the UK’s first personalised health & wellbeing gift card & membership platform. We provide proactive & personalized mental, physical & financial wellbeing solutions to prevent issues from occurring in the first place helping people to thrive in their lives.

Healthy Minds Club won the Best B2B Award at the GCVA Awards, Best Health & Wellbeing Provider Supplier at the Incentive Awards in 2022, along with 2 x Expert wins at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards 2022. Kathy was also the proud winner of the WiiN Global Award in 2022.

Links to contact Kathy:

LinkedIn:

Kathy Heath

Healthy Minds Club

Facebook: Healthy Minds Club

Website: healthymindsclub.com

Resources & References

Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

B Corp: “More than sparkly hotpants” – Chris Williams, Jennings - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

ESG: Be the change – there’s no PLANet B – with Nicola Weir, Deloitte - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

How Are You Today? – Rob Stephenson, FormScore - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Onboard Men’s Health Week – with John Holland - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Racing Ahead with After Action Reviews – with Rob Smedley - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Rethinking Customer Experience – with Graham Hill (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Healthy Minds Club (www.healthymindsclub.com)

The Roadmap to a Healthy Mind & Healthy Workforce by Healthy Minds Club (www.eventbrite.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

B Corp: “More than sparkly hotpants” – Chris Williams, Jennings - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

A PRiME Approach to Sustainability Mindset – Dr Karen Cripps

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

PRIME used to conjure up thoughts about the drink that appears to have become a fad (and that my son gets super excited about the prospect of seeing on a supermarket shelf) 🤦🏻‍♀️.

But then I met Dr Karen Cripps, Senior Lecturer in Leadership at Oxford Brookes University.

Karen informed me about PRiME, an acronym for 'principles for responsible management education' and it's taken on a whole new (and much more helpful!) meaning.

In this episode of the podcast, we uncover:

the key sustainability mindset principles
'green hushing'
purposeful dissatisfaction
'power over, power with or power under'
the role of the Johari Window in a VUCA world
the role of mental health self-awareness in enabling the right mindset
the concept of Ikigai; finding our sweet spot where skills, passions and values align
the need to connect with emotion to shift motivation from extrinsic targets to intrinsic drive
adding curiosity to your diary to promote connection

If you're interested in 'people, planet and profit' (thank you Chris Williams of Jennings who used the term, talking about BCorps on a previous episode of my podcast), you'll get a lot from this conversation.

And I'd recommend Karen as a source of great insight and expertise if you would like to know more about how to manage responsibly by educating a mindset fit for the future of work.

If you want to find out how to...

increase mental health self-awareness
engage people in teams shaped around meaning, purpose and psychological safety
create greater connection to allow for collaboration and creativity

...get in touch. I'm here to support you to get the people side of business right.

More about Karen:

Karen is a Senior Lecturer in Leadership at Oxford Brookes University Business School, and a Subject Coordinator for the Business and Management undergraduate programme. Karen joined Brookes in 2022, following previous lecturing at the University of Winchester, the University of Nottingham, and Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett). She has also led on HE programmes for a partner college of Buckinghamshire New University and University College of Birmingham.

With a long-established scholarship and teaching profile in sustainability leadership and management, Karen is committed to supporting student success and developing links to business networks and practice. She has joined the World Economic 'Global Shapers' initiative as a mentor on the 'Sustainability Leaders' programme and is a Co-Lead for the United Nations 'Principles of Responsible Management Education' (PRME) London and South East network group. Karen is an ambassador the PRME Working Group on the Sustainability Mindset and this is a key concept in her current research practice. One of her current interests is the intersection between supporting students’ career construction for environmental and social sustainability.

Links to contact Karen:

LinkedIn: Dr Karen Cripps

Website: www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/karen-cripps

Resources & References

ESG: Be the change – there’s no PLANet B – with Nicola Weir, Deloitte - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Impact of Mindset on Outcomes - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Values in Action: www.viacharacter.org

For values: Unlocking the Potential of Human Values (commoncausefoundation.org)

Active Hope: www.activehope.info

Leading with Love: Rehumanising the Workplace Paperback, Karen Blakeley, Chris Blakeley (www.amazon.co.uk)

Principles for Responsible Management Education (www.unprme.org)

Sustainability - We Need to Talk, Isabel Rimanoczy (www.amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Humanising Capitalism to Shape Culture – Theran Knighton-Fitt, mygrow

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Are you a popcorn fan?

You might rethink your love of it after hearing about Theran's experience. Role-modelling taking a sick day did not go as planned!

Aside from dealing with his popcorn damage, Theran Knighton-Fitt of mygrow is on a mission.

He is challenging the notion of culture as a means to an end when humans are turned into resources. Instead, Theran is redirecting the conversation to one that is more about being human in place of extracting value.

It will be no surprise then to see some of what we talk about:

Capitalism
A different take on the expectation that leaders should should build culture.
The power of sharing our unique stories as an alternative to psychometrics for understanding how to engage with each other
Challenging terrible excuses such as, "It's not personal, it's business."
Practices, postures and principles instead of policies that often dehumanise
Rethinking employee recognition

This is a philosophical conversation that really gets beneath the surface of how we do things at work. I love the thought-provoking examples and metaphors that Theran uses.

Want to do the right thing for the people around you at work, for the right reasons? Are you clear about what those 'rights' are?

Hear what we discuss on this episode of the podcast and let us know how you're going about having the conversations that matter in your organisation. Message us to let us know how we can help guide the talk and practice that puts human at the heart of culture.

More about Theran:

Theran is on a mission to build an emotionally intelligent world.

He thinks, writes, and speaks about all the things that impact us as humans both at home and professionally.

In the world of work this means he takes a keen interest not only in company culture but also in company character. He loves to discuss issues involving capitalism, organisational culture, behaviour, values, emotional intelligence, narrative identity and psychology.

In his role as Chief Humanising Officer at mygrow he is interested in pioneering new ways of achieving collective flourishing and group relational health through the powerful vehicles of companies and organisations.

His personal purpose statement in everything he does professionally is to “Realise Humanity.”

Links to contact Theran:

LinkedIn:

Theran Knighton-Fitt

mygrow

Website: www.mygrow.me

Resources & References

Culture Matters: The Research Agrees - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Theran's Linktree: linktr.ee/therankf

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Employment Tribunal Decisions - Mrs Dumigan v The Mount School Ltd (www.gov.uk)

“A Legal Perspective on Putting the Human Factor Back Into Business” – Roy Magara

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The multi-award-winning, author and very awesome Roy Magara provides a legal perspective on putting the human factor back into business.

It was great being able to pick up the conversation from those that we had during the pandemic when we facilitated a number of webinars together.

Why is it that so many legal cases continue to be brought to Roy's attention? He outlines cases where employers have been called out for not caring enough. And the increasing number of cases associated with mental health and the menopause.

We tackle challenging issues such as employees who claim unfair practice to mask incompetence.

We discuss whether changes in the number of legal cases are due to employee expectations, or changes in the way companies operate.

And we connect use of language, psychological safety, mental wellbeing, financial wellbeing, and our perception of conflict with employee experience and the law.

Bottom line: we need to focus on being human. We must seek to reduce the stress and resources associated with getting employee experience right via legal channels.

How good are you at keeping the fact we're all human, including your managers and leaders, at the forefront of your mind?

More about Roy:

We statistically spend most of our time thinking about, talking about and in many cases worrying about our work. As an Employment Solicitor Advocate at Magara Law, Roy works hard to help people through the legalities and complexities of their 'every day' and take the "worry" out of your statistics. People are at the heart of Roy’s practice – whether employer or employee – and Roy’s aim is to ensure that whichever side of the relationship you are, your employment rights and obligations are in check.

Links to contact Roy:

LinkedIn:

Roy Magara

Magara Law

Website: magaralaw.co.uk

Resources & References

Quantum: Magara, Roy (Amazon.co.uk)

Law & Wellbeing Webinar by Roy and Lisa: Facing the Real Issues - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Psychological Safety Webinars by Roy and Lisa: WEBINAR: Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) / Leading Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

On Demand Webinars (magaralaw.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Mental Health Onboarding - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

How Are You Today? – Rob Stephenson, FormScore

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Being ready for the future of work requires action. Now.

Research clearly identifies that Individual performance has a causal relationship with wellbeing. So it doesn't take a psychologist to tell you that companies need to invest in getting wellbeing right.

But just what makes the biggest difference?

And where do we begin?

Start simple is my approach. Human connection is the building block of good relationships, mental wellbeing, psychologically safe environments, engagement, and performance. So let's start there.

Rob Stephenson of FormScore very eloquently outlines the case for being more human, and approaches that we can easily adopt to achieve that.

Listen to Rob talk about wellbeing, effectiveness and commitment, and their impact on readiness to perform.

This episode of the podcast will help you on your journey.

It might just help you leave the foothills and start the ascent of Mount Everest (this analogy will make sense when you listen!).

More about Rob:

Rob is a TEDx Speaker, Mental Health Campaigner, Keynote Speaker, Facilitator, CEO of FormScore, and founder of the InsideOut LeaderBoard.

Rob has a strong and personal interest in mental wellbeing and is part of the movement to smash the stigma of mental ill-health in the workplace. He has lived and worked whilst managing bipolar disorder for as long as he can remember. He conducts speaking engagements on his personal experiences and ideas as to how we can facilitate change.

FormScore is a movement and technology solution that helps us be more intentional about our wellbeing by answering the question "How are you today?" with a score out of ten, and connecting with friends, family and trusted colleagues.

The InsideOut LeaderBoard is a social enterprise with a mission of ending the stigma of mental ill-health in the workplace.

Links to contact Rob:

LinkedIn:

Rob Stephenson

FormScore

Website: www.formscore.today

Resources & References

Checking in with your team: Anxiety Conversation Framework Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Emotional Needs Audit: The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: From Boardrooms to Toolkits – Placi Espejo - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Future of Workplace Wellbeing (www.formscore.today)

Harmonizing the Mind: (vimeo.com)

Inside Out Leaderboard (inside-out.org)

Inside Out Awards (www.insideoutawards.xyz)

The workforce well-being imperative - Paving the way for human sustainability in workplace culture: (www2.deloitte.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Am I a Good Leader? A Changing and Diverse Role – Gail Cohen, GCVA

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This is one of the most frank, honest podcast conversations I've had and I'm so grateful to Gail Cohen of the GCVA for being so open with me about her leadership style.

We explore if she is a good leader (her words!). Gail's honesty and vulnerability is powerful as we unpick:

How our experience shapes us
Self awareness vs self evaluation
Generational differences within the workforce
Employee led culture
Clarity of a leaders' strengths and areas for development
Leadership, management and being an entrepreneur - crucial differences
Leading with neurodiversity, and the impact on the team
Regaining the 'ba boom' when we flatline in our roles
Relinquishing control and succession planning

The conversation is thought provoking. I wonder what you will take away from it?

More about Gail:

Gail is the Director General of the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA), a role she has held since 2015. During this time, the organisation has grown exponentially; adapting to represent all players, and the industry, in the continually changing gift card environment. It has over 90 members including major retailers and key service providers.

Gail leads and manages the association, develops strategy, and sets direction with the executive group, hosting the largest annual industry global conference.

Gail is an experienced brand builder and marketing professional with an impressive portfolio working across the private, public, and charitable sectors. Previous clients include Cartier, British Film Institute & Pearson. She is passionate about human rights and loves her family, gardening, cooking and meditating in the middle of a field.

Links to contact Gail:

LinkedIn:

Gail Cohen

GCVA

Website: gcva.co.uk

Twitter: @GCVA_

Resources & References

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leadership by Virtue; are people following? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

RETHINK Being Human at Work – with Gemma Ellison, Macmillan Cancer Support - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness: The Acclaimed Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness - Professor Steve Peters (Amazon.co.uk)

4000 Weeks: a life-changing novel - Robert Bosman (Amazon.co.uk)

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho (Amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Industry Leaders Interview - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Employee Engagement - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) The Business Brunch: Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Transcending Leadership (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Is Fear blocking your leadership? (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Consider yourself a good leader? (itstimeforchange.co.uk) People First for Business Success - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose by Zach Mercurio

50th episode! What’s changed & where are we heading as humans at work?

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

My podcast got hijacked!!! I loved this... the fabulous David Greenaway and Gemma Ellison did a takeover of Beyond the Water Cooler and put me in the hotseat to celebrate 50 episodes. Actually, to my relief, it was a great discussion involving all three of us, about what has changed in the world of work since my first episode. And importantly we get to grips with some of the challenges companies are grappling with right now, to help them move forward. Did you know...

‼️ 72% of leaders report they often feel used up at the end of the day, an increasing sign of burnout from 60% in 2020?*

!! Leaders who trust their senior leaders are 3 times more likely to develop novel ideas or solutions. But, the level of trust in managers and leaders, especially in hybrid workforces, is at crisis point?* !! Psychological safety is still a critical need in many organisations, and when leaders regularly display vulnerability, their employees are 5.3 times more likely to trust them?* Listen to our advice about how to rethink some of the key concerns that are getting in the way of talent attraction and retention, people development, mental wellbeing, employee experience and employee engagement. These are the top concerns for CEOs, so can you afford not to disrupt the status quo? *Source: Global Leadership Forecast 2023

More about Dave

As a Life in Business & 3 Principles coach, Dave is deeply committed to helping others discover the innate wisdom and well-being within themselves so they can improve their business and life. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, workshops and talks, he guide people on a journey of self-discovery and business growth, and helps them tap into their own inner resources and realise their full potential.

Links to contact Dave:

LinkedIn: Dave Greenaway Facebook: LifeInBusinessEvents Twitter: @LifeInBusiness_ TikTok: @lifeinbusiness Website: www.lifeinbusiness.co.uk

More about Gemma

Gemma is an ex lawyer turned leader in the talent, culture and leadership space. She cares deeply about the experience of people in the workplace, and is an advocate of leading with heart, humanity and compassion. She is currently working on some exciting talent and leadership projects at Macmillan Cancer Support.

Links to contact Gemma:

LinkedIn: Gemma Ellison

Resources & References

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub Email: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

Rethinking Customer Experience – with Graham Hill

Fri, 26 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Forbes has put together 101 of the best customer experience quotes. Only 3 of them feature employees, despite the fact customer experience relies on your workforce.

Simon Sinek says:

👁️‍🗨️ “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.”

And that's exactly what Graham Hill, from insight6, and I talk about in this episode of the podcast. We refocus the lens, shifting away from simply the customer, to the people within organisations that determine CX.

One thing that has become very clear over recent years is the need to enable employees to have the best experience, for companies to succeed. It's interesting how many of the 101 quotes communicate the same powerful message when the word 'customers' is switched for 'employees'.

That says a lot... the experience of ALL your stakeholders is a must for leaders to get to grips with.

🥇 Graham and I consider the evolution from customers first, to putting employees first.

🥇 We unpick the direct connection and key factors that companies need to be addressing.

🥇 We discuss the uptake of this shift in thinking, and the impact that Insight 6 data shows.

“If we consistently exceed the expectations of employees, they will consistently exceed the expectations of our customers.” – Shep Hyken

What does your CX strategy look like?

More about Graham:

Graham has over 20 years of experience in senior roles for a number of FTSE 100 businesses including Vodafone, Digicel and Dixons Carphone, leading teams to deliver a world-class customer experience, both in the UK and internationally.

He is the local Customer Experience Director for insight6, owning and running the Bucks, Beds and Oxfordshire Regional Office.

insight6 are one of the UK’s top Customer Experience firms, supporting over 1,000 clients, from all sectors, across the UK to deliver more revenue through better customer experiences.

Links to contact Graham:

LinkedIn:

Graham Hill

insight6 UK

Email: graham.hill@insight6.com

Website: www.insight6.com

Twitter: @GrahamHillCX

Resources & References

This conversation with Graham reminded me of the episode with Eric Collins who talked about him being a customer of his business in his MD role As MD, I’m Just A Customer Of The Business – with Eric Collins - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The High Cost of a Bad Employee Experience and How to Avoid It – insight6

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Managing Anxiety: Individual strategies to bring it under control (10 Minute Audio Blog) - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Anxiety: A Strategic Imperative – with Nick Jemetta

Fri, 19 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Nick Jemetta, founder of Stories Matter, joins me to discuss anxiety. He is passionate about creating connection, conversation, curiosity and change. And he takes a holistic approach to mental health.

Stress, anxiety and depression are thought to be responsible for almost half of working days lost in Britain due to health issues.

According to the Workplace Health Report 2022, 58% of employees are experiencing anxiety, and 34% of those experiencing anxiety are aged 25-34.

In the current climate of financial stress, ongoing strikes, international conflict and other negative news filling the media channels, it is no surprise that rates of anxiety are reaching new levels.

Nick and I discuss:

The need for a different approach to a growing problem
People at risk of developing anxiety
Strategies for companies to consider for an organisational response
The need to rethink expectations of managers

The resource 'Tackling Anxiety Collectively' is a team discussion framework for normalising the conversation.

✅ Download it and start making a difference for your teams.

✅ Support your managers in having the discussions that count.

✅ Let your employees know that you validate them, care, and that you seek to empower people to take control.

Get in touch for help with having such conversations and advice about providing the best support.

More about Nick:

As Founder of Stories Matter, Nick ‘Fancy Dress Dad’ Jemetta is on mission is to change the narrative - creating empowered cultures for organisations, and (young) people to thrive.

He is a digital product coach and consultant, multi-award-winning mental health campaigner, speaker, trainer, and organisational wellbeing coach.

Nick’s inspirational journey from anxious teenage introvert to business owner (via media stardom and corporate burnout!), is an uplifting, powerful story of hope, positivity, and resilience.

Links to contact Nick:

LinkedIn:

Nick Jemetta

Stories Matter

Facebook: Nicholas Jemetta

Instagram: @nicholasjemetta

Twitter: @nicholasjemetta

Website: www.storiesmatter.io

Resources & References

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Worried about the future virtual world? Check out this podcast where Magnus Wood joins me to discuss leadership, embracing change, and kindness as a key factor in a changing world:

The Metaverse: The Future of Work? – with Magnus Wood - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Struggling with the pace of change in our VUCA world? Listen to Amanda Page and I talking about resistance to change and how to help people overcome their anxiety to embrace it:

Getting Beyond Resistance to Change – Amanda Page, Change Tempo - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

From my conversation with Nick:

3 Dads Walking

Gethin Nadin | LinkedIn

Hub of Hope

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Mental Health Onboarding - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: From Boardrooms to Toolkits – Placi Espejo

Fri, 12 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Placi Espejo is a MH Champion, Coach and Mentor supporting innovative businesses to help them grow.

She is also a TEDx speaker, having taken to the stage to share her ideas about embracing mental health and the benefits of workplace policies. Placi talks from her own experience of struggles with mental health, and from her role within companies that means she has a wealth of insight into how to make the experience of work better.

Poor mental health is costing UK employers up to £56 billion a year (Deloitte, 2022) and so addressing this has to be everyone's business.

In this episode, we explore:

Why we're continuing to have the discussion about leaders taking mental health seriously, despite increased awareness in recent years
Placi's own story and the lessons learned from that
Who has responsibility for mental health at work
How we motivate companies to change their approach
The mental health / health and safety connection (and future requirements)
The role of policy, mental health induction and day-to-day practice
Tools to improve mental health at an individual and organisational level

More about Placi

Placi Espejo is a TEDx Speaker, Mental Health Champion, Coach and Mentor working with innovative businesses to unlock their growth and collaboration potential. She is currently part of the transitioning team for the creation of the new Oxford-Cambridge Partnership leading on the Economy Programme.

From being involved in running the family business since an early age to getting start-ups ready for investment, Placi loves the buzz of making a difference by supporting entrepreneurship. An experienced mentor with Entrepreneur Societies, local Accelerators and Schools, she is also a Deputy Chairman for Oxfordshire Business First and Relationship Manager for Bicester Vision.

Links to contact Placi:

LinkedIn: Placi

Instagram: @placi.mindfulnessjourney

Twitter: @PlaciEspejo

TikTok: @over40placi

Resources & References

Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

(2) Embracing Mental Health - The Benefits of Workplace Policies | Placi Espejo | TEDxBanbury - YouTube

What do we mean by suicide prevention? - YouTube

LinkedIn Post - Placi (Eating Disorders)

LinkedIn Post - Keith Browning (Blown away by this new campaign from Dove)

Mental Health at Work by James Routledge

Self Space: theselfspace.com

Mental Health Foundation - Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.

FormScore - helping managers understand the wellbeing and performance readiness of their team.

Calm App

Happy Place App founded by Fern Cotton

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Liberating Cultures: Putting Psychological Safety into Practice – Sonali Kumarakulasinghe

Fri, 05 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

How confident are you that every member of your team feels empowered and safe enough to contribute? That they are fully engaged? That their ideas are encouraged to emerge and germinate? That their experience day to day matches how they want to feel?

In this episode of the podcast, Sonali Kumarakulasinghe, People and Culture Consultant at SK Consulting outlines TWO PRACTICAL APPROACHES that enable people to become more aware of themselves and their colleagues, to engage with meaningful change, and to strengthen team relationships.

We unpick how LIBERATING STRUCTURES can be used to shape everyday interactions to make organisations more successful by being able to follow ten leadership principles:

Include and Unleash Everyone
Practice Deep Respect for People and Local Solutions
Build Trust As You Go
Learn by Failing Forward
Practice Self-Discovery Within a Group
Amplify Freedom AND Responsibility
Emphasize Possibilities: Believe Before You See
Invite Creative Destruction To Enable Innovation ⬅️ I LOVE THIS ONE!
Engage In Seriously-Playful Curiosity
Never Start Without Clear Purpose

Then we identify the difference that the EMOTIONAL CULTURE DECK makes to companies being clear about how their employees want to feel, how they don't want to feel, and what that means in practice.

Emotion drives behaviour. If we choose to ignore the dominant driver, we simply become robotic, engaging at a cognitive level. The result = less than optimum performance.

It's time to unleash and celebrate the level of complexity under the surface that really shapes workplace culture.

Find out how to transform your practice to gain the most from your amazing people with the resources and practical advice that Sonali shares.

More about Sonali

Sonali is a Consultant, Facilitator and Coach. She works with leaders, teams and individuals to co-create positive organisational cultures and to enable better conversations at work. She is passionate about improving the employee experience at work, where there is mutual trust, care and respect. She partners with client organisations to achieve this.

Links to contact Sonali:

LinkedIn: Sonali K MCIPD

Email: sonali@sk-consult.co.uk

Resources & References

Liberating Structures - menu of 33 Liberating Structures, with open source resources.

Emotional Culture Deck - free downloadable deck, and 10% discount for the physical card deck -For transparency, please note that this is Sonali's affiliate link.

The Liberators - Liberating Structures workshops and resources.

Wise Crowds Design Call - Take your case to the Liberating Structures Wise Crowds design call and be a client and consultant.

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Thriving at Work: a review of mental health and employers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Power of Skeins – John Hibbs, CoEfficient

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

John Hibbs, Co-Founder of CoEfficient, joins me to explore organisational performance from the human perspective.

We discuss:

🗣️ the Monergy Flow that links purpose with people, strategy, implementation and outcomes

🗣️ common factors in successful companies

🗣️ the disconnect between leadership perceptions and those of the wider workforce

🗣️ organisational measures and mental health; the vital link

🗣️ employee surveys: their limitations

🗣️ data - the devil is in the detail (and what we choose to do with it)

More about John

John is CoFounder of CoEfficient. He is a serial entrepreneur and leader, who believes that businesses should be a force for good in the world, and takes joy in creating a win-win world.

Links to contact John:

LinkedIn:

John Hibbs Coefficient

Coefficient Solutions

Website: coefficient-solutions.com

Resources & References

13 Ways to Kill Your Community 2nd Edition: Amazon.co.uk: Griffiths, Doug, Clemmer, Kelly, MacNeill, Paul: 9781460297582: Books

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Trading Places: RESILIENCE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS – Lisa is interviewed by Get Radio

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

I was recently invited to guest on Get Radio‘s The Business Brunch with Ben Thompson & Mike Foster. Each week, business leaders from across Oxfordshire join them for interviews and a round table discussion sharing their expertise, knowledge and experience.

During the show, I had the opportunity to talk about my business, It’s Time for Change, and the topic of resilience for business owners, whilst giving really practical advice to business owners listening.

We were joined by the fantastic Dave Greenaway of Life in Business, who was recently a guest on my podcast discussing resilience. You can listen to that episode HERE.

Do business owners have to be resilient?

Do you agree with what I had to say?

Links for Get Radio Business Brunch:

LinkedIn:

Ben Thompson

Mike Foster

Get Radio

Website: www.getradio.co.uk/on-air/business-brunch

Facbook: Get Radio

Twitter: @getradiouk

Instagram: @getradiouk

Resources & References

Personal Resilience Indicator, created by Mind Matters Personal Resilience | Change Tempo

Watch the video here: The Business Brunch with Ben and Mike - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Consider yourself a good leader? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) People First for Business Success - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Ingredients for Leaders - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) How to Start a #WorkKind Revolution - A Guide (thekindnesscorporation.com) State of Kind Business Report | The Kindness Corporation Future of Work: Not What You Think – with Dan Sodergren - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) Get the feedback you need. Based on the motivation of your employees. (yourflock.co.uk) Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success - by Gary Vaynerchuk

RETHINK Being Human at Work – with Gemma Ellison, Macmillan Cancer Support

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Gemma Ellison, Senior Leadership & Talent Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, joins me in a productive 'rant' about some key issues in business, and most importantly, how to rethink them. I love the energy, inspiration and wisdom that comes from Gemma. She really knows her stuff. We get to grips with... 🗣️ The deliberate leader - an important distinction to a step up the career ladder 🗣️ Challenging common beliefs; is treating others how we want to be treated good enough? 🗣️ The bias towards short term metrics and how they drive the wrong behaviours 🗣️ Work-kind - including becoming an activist (thank you Magnus Wood) 🗣️ Knowing the right time to walk away from leadership responsibility 🗣️ The concept of 'being strong' 🗣️ What we really mean when we talk about changing company culture 🗣️ The power of neurodiversity in teams 🗣️ The value of platforms such as YourFLOCK to support leaders (you'll love this conversation, Dan Sodergren and Michal Wisniewski!) If everyone had a little more 'sensitivity for the human condition' (brilliant quote, Gemma), the world of work would be a different place. How are you and your company disrupting the status quo and pushing the 'being human' agenda?

More about Gemma

Links to contact Gemma:

LinkedIn: Gemma Ellison

Resources & References

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub Email: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

B Corp: “More than sparkly hotpants” – Chris Williams, Jennings

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

March is B Corp month and so who better to join me than Chris Williams, Sustainability Champion and Commercial Manager at Jennings, where they have just been awarded the badge?!

In this conversation, Chris helps us to understand:

What B Corp is actually about
What prompted Jennings to pursue the B Corp route
What a values-based culture looks like
What the B Corp certification process involves
The benefits of the B Corp accreditation
How to inspire companies to do business better, regardless of B Corp
How to get started and resources that help

More about Chris

Chris is officially a Commercial Manager at Jennings but he has morphed the role into a Sustainability Champion & Eco Ambassador for the company. Chris is keen to influence, inspire & encourage other organisations in our community to do business better.

Links to contact Chris:

LinkedIn:

Chris Williams

Jennings of Garsington Ltd

Website: jennings.co.uk

Facbook: JenningsOfGarsington

Instagram: @jenningsofgarsington

Twitter: @jennings_

Resources & References

B Corp UK (BIA) (bcorporation.uk)

About B Lab UK (bcorporation.uk)

B Local Oxfordshire

Tammy Marrett - Green Savvy

Oxfordshire Greentech (oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk)

Siobhann Mansel - Make it Good

Mark Cuddigan & Ella's Kitchen: The Good Stuff We Do (www.ellaskitchen.co.uk)

Good Stuff (jennings.co.uk)

ESG: Be the change – there’s no PLANet B – with Nicola Weir, Deloitte - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

VALUABLE: How a Values-Enabled Culture can Inspire You to Sustain Profit, by Mike Jennings (Amazon.co.uk)

Ethical Reading

Monument Community Trust (mct-oxfordshire.org)

Please contact Chris directly to request access to their B Corp specific Dropbox folder full of other useful resources to support you on your B Corp journey: chris@jennings.co.uk

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Business Brunch: Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Reducing Overwhelm with Simple, Curious, Creative Leadership – with Carla Maroussas

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Carla Maroussas joins me today to explore overwhelm, and the all-important question - how do we reduce it?

In a world where overwhelm feels normal, where many of us feel trapped with the only option being to push through, this is an important conversation.

We explore:

the feeling of overwhelm that produces a real desire of wanting to retreat into a bubble
the pressure on leaders and managers to be seen to cope
the need to align our lived experience with our values
how emotional support from managers, in the form of quality conversations, improves mental wellbeing
what active listening really means
our thoughts about goals!

This episode is full of practical strategies to create more space and reduce overwhelm.

How are you moving closer towards the experience that feels good for you on a daily basis?

How are you supporting your team to reduce emotional arousal so that they can invest their mental energy on being productive?

More about Carla

Before studying and qualifying to become a Life Coach and NLP Practitioner Carla spent most of her professional career in Film, Television and Music. Working hard to make her way up from an Account Manager to a place on the board as a Managing Director.

Carla has been described as a senior management professional with over 25 years experience gained in the music, tv and film industries. A natural leader with an in depth knowledge of sales and leadership”

However she now utilises her career experience in senior management, sales and leadership and runs her own Coaching Consultancy working with clients on a 121 level via self discovery to work out their next best step.

She helps those she works with to re-connect to their values and core beliefs and with an attitude of gratitude and positivity work out their next best steps and to move forward with calm and clarity.

Whether in your personal or work life if you are thinking about, working out or taking the next step, she will work alongside you to reduce overwhelm and confusion, to increase self care and provide a clear pathway forward.

Recent 121 clients have included small businesses owners, board members and working parents with bespoke coaching based around career and personal development and the associated themes of managing work life balance, overwhelm and self care.

In addition 121 coaching for leaders and their teams offering recent programmes on identifying company values, the link between staff productivity and happiness, talent identification and new leader personal development.

Carla provides coaching and mentoring services both on-line and in person locally and works offers 121, team and group coaching.

Links to contact Carla:

LinkedIn: Carla Maroussas

Instagram: @carlamaroussas

Twitter: @carlamaroussas

Website: www.carlamaroussascoaching.com

Resources & References

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress: Checking-In - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Too passive to de-stress? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace Part 1 - Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace Part 2 - Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Happy workers are 13% more productive - University of Oxford (www.ox.ac.uk)

Study reveals how changes in workplace support and leadership training can improve mental health and reduce burnout in healthcare professionals - The William Harvey Research Institute - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (qmul.ac.uk)

Stress Statistics UK | 2023 Data | Champion Health

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

7 Superpowers of Women (part 1) | LinkedIn

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As we celebrate International Women's Day, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr Shawn Andrews, author of The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and the Gender Divide.

I came across her book a few years ago and it was gripping - loads of jaw-dropping data, relatable case-studies and practical advice about women in leadership roles. She has so much to say that we split the conversation into two parts!

In the first episode, Shawn explains the 5 main barriers for women in business which are nothing to do with their skills or competencies and everything to do with perceptions of women. We've seen this all to clearly recently with Jacinda Ardern.

We then turn our focus to the 7 superpowers that women bring to companies and these take us into the second episode where we also explore questions such as 'why are some women more successful than others?'.

Shawn outlines examples and practical ways to develop these attributes if they are not your strengths (that goes for men too). And she outlines the benefits to men, both personally and professionally, of supporting women to climb the career ladder.

Enjoy!

More about Shawn

Dr. Shawn Andrews is a keynote speaker, organizational consultant, and author of the best-selling book, The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide.

She’s been a Forbes contributor, quoted in the Chicago Tribune, and interviewed on dozens of podcast and radio shows, including NPR.

She serves as a professor at both UC Irvine and Pepperdine University business schools, teaching courses on Women and Leadership and Organizational Behavior. She is founder and CEO of Andrews Research International.

Links to contact Shawn:

LinkedIn: Dr Shawn Andrews

Facebook: Dr Shawn Andrews Page

Instagram: @drshawnandrews

Website: www.drshawnandrews.com

Email: hello@drshawnandrews.com

Resources & References

Book: The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide - Shawn Andrews Ed.D. M.B.A

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

7 Superpowers of Men (part 2) | LinkedIn

Women in the Workplace | McKinsey

Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance | TED Talk

6 Leadership Styles from Daniel Goleman, the Author of the “Leadership That Gets Results” (business-powerhouse.com)

Midlife. Crisis or Opportunity? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Can We Achieve Balance? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

A Female Perspective in celebration of International Women’s Day – Charlotte Wilson - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

3 inspirational female leaders - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

7 Superpowers of Women (part 1) | LinkedIn

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As we celebrate International Women's Day, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr Shawn Andrews, author of The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and the Gender Divide.

Enjoy!

More about Shawn

Dr. Shawn Andrews is a keynote speaker, organizational consultant, and author of the best-selling book, The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide.

She’s been a Forbes contributor, quoted in the Chicago Tribune, and interviewed on dozens of podcast and radio shows, including NPR.

Links to contact Shawn:

LinkedIn: Dr Shawn Andrews

Facebook: Dr Shawn Andrews Page

Instagram: @drshawnandrews

Website: www.drshawnandrews.com

Email: hello@drshawnandrews.com

Resources & References

Book: The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide - Shawn Andrews Ed.D. M.B.A

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

7 Superpowers of Men (part 2) | LinkedIn

Women in the Workplace | McKinsey

Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance | TED Talk

6 Leadership Styles from Daniel Goleman, the Author of the “Leadership That Gets Results” (business-powerhouse.com)

Midlife. Crisis or Opportunity? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Can We Achieve Balance? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

A Female Perspective in celebration of International Women’s Day – Charlotte Wilson - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

3 inspirational female leaders - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Getting Beyond Resistance to Change – Amanda Page, Change Tempo

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

I know this guest really well, having worked with her over a number of years. Amanda Page of Change Tempo is a coach specialising in leading change.

We have supported a number of clients, from the NHS to recruiters, combining our expertise to lead change. Whether that's about navigating the unknown, anxiety about how to change people's behaviour, or overcoming push-back, Amanda and I have guided leaders through the turbulence.

In this episode we discuss a number of issues and strategies that leaders need to be aware of, including:

The cost of ignoring the people factor in the process of change
The need to anticipate resistance and the confidence to overcome that
The role of resilience and the impact of change on performance and mental wellbeing
Change management vs change leadership
The Change Cycle
The value of story telling

How much time are you investing in getting the experience of change right for your people?

Get people right, get business right.

Chat to us. We can support you to change the narrative from upset and commotion, to exciting opportunity and positive investment.

More about Amanda

Transforming your organisation can be career defining for leaders, so it's important to get it right. As a change expert and coach, Amanda works with leaders to help them accelerate change & following a long career in the global tech industry in Org Change, Learning and Development and Customer Loyalty, she has a deep understanding of the key levers required to successfully lead people through change resulting in ongoing career advancement for themselves and their team.

Links to contact Amanda:

LinkedIn: Amanda Page Change Tempo

Website: www.changetempo.com

Resources & References

6 Trade secrets that will transform how you lead change (changetempo.com)

Research:

EY research reveals that 47% of key employees leave after a major transaction. Within three years, that number has grown to 75%. This represents a painful loss of valuable human capital, and it can come with devastating impact: How a new talent mindset can solve the post-merger integration puzzle (www.ey.com)

Swedish House of Finance, together with Nova School of Business and Economics take a deep dive into Swedish employee-employer level data linked to individual health records to find incidence of stress, anxiety, depression, psychiatric medication usage. (Data covered all merger transactions in the Swedish economy between 2007 and 2015. Latest draft April 2022, first draft Dec 2020): How do mergers and acquisitions impact employee mental health (www.hhs.se)

The study found that M&A negatively impact workers’ mental health including stress and anxiety, depression diagnoses, both inpatient and outpatient care, medication prescription.
Overall mental health issues increased 2.6% among employees after an M&A compared to the pre-merger period.
Both employee in and out-patient hospital care after a merger or acquisition rose by 2% and 5% respectively compared to the pre-merger period.

The Big Reason Why Some People Are Terrified Of Change (While Others Love It) (forbes.com) 62% of people who either don’t like to leave their comfort zone or do so only occasionally.

Books:

The Change Cycle: How People Can Survive and Thrive in Organizational Change - Ann Salerno, Lillie Brock (Amazon.co.uk)

Beyond the Wall of Resistance (Revised Edition): Why 70% of All Changes Still Fail - And What You Can Do About It - Rick Maurer (Amazon.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

From Struggle to Strength: The Power of Resilience – Dave Greenaway, Life in Business

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Having the "capacity to remain flexible in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours when faced by life disruption, or extended periods of pressure" (Pemberton) is essential for resilience.

It's fair to say that many of us still expect to come out the other side feeling like we've survived a storm.

Yet, when we get resilience right, we should emerge feeling "stronger, wiser and more able."

How do we do that?

In this episode of the Beyond the Water Cooler podcast, Dave Greenaway and I discuss how to lean into adversity and to build our resilience as we go.

It is more than bouncing back. Resilience may take you on a different path to the one you were on previously. Or you might continue along the same route wearing different clothes as you learn from your experience.

Are you in control?

Listen to the advice we share and check out my blog about strategies to develop greater resilience.

Can you afford not to?

More about Dave

As a Life in Business & 3 Principles coach, Dave is deeply committed to helping others discover the innate wisdom and well-being within themselves so they can improve their business and life.

Through one-on-one coaching sessions, workshops and talks, he guide people on a journey of self-discovery and business growth, and helps them tap into their own inner resources and realise their full potential.

Links to contact Dave:

LinkedIn: Dave Greenaway

Facebook: LifeInBusinessEvents

Twitter: @LifeInBusiness_

TikTok: @lifeinbusiness

Website: www.lifeinbusiness.co.uk

Resources & References

Resilience in a new world - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Sabotaging your resilience and wellbeing? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Understanding the spectrum

The Case for a Neurodiverse Culture – Mel Francis, Neuroinclusive HR

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Mel Francis is an accomplished HR Director and she joins me to talk about Neurodiversity in the workplace.

Mel supports HR, and Diversity and Inclusion professionals, on their journey through her company, NeuroinclusiveHR.

We explore:

What neurodiversity really is
Different types of neurodiverse conditions and their common traits that may be evident at work
Bias, stigma, stereotypes and the use of language
The power of ingroups and outgroups,
The impact of culture and psychological safety
The value of people uniqueness and the cost of fuelling ignorance
The correlation between neurodiversity and mental health challenges
The responsibility of employers

Mel provides practical steps to achieving a neurodiverse company. Whether you're starting out or looking to apply a neurodiverse lens to all stages of the employee lifecycle, she has clear advice about what to do.

More about Mel

Mel is an accomplished HR Director with over 25 years’ experience gained within complex matrix organisations in the public, private, and not for profit sectors.

Links to contact Mel:

LinkedIn: Melanie Francis

Website: www.neuroinclusivehr.com

Resources & References

Neurodiversity at Work – Professor Amanda Kirby and Theo Smith

Rebel Ideas – The power of thinking differently - Matthew Syed

Do-IT Profiler – Neurodiversity screening and tools

ONS Report - Outcomes for disabled people in the UK: 2020

ILM – Workplace neurodiversity – The Power of Difference

Employment Law Journal article (PDF Download)

Everymind at work - Neurodiversity resources

Board Diversity and Effectiveness in FT350 Companies

6 Neurodiversity Recruitment Programs at

Leading Companies (tallo.com)

Everlief Child Psychology - West Wycombe, serving families in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire | Brighter Futures

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Social Value Model (publishing.service.gov.uk)

ESG: Be the change – there’s no PLANet B – with Nicola Weir, Deloitte

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

ESG is just about the physical world, right? Wrong. There is so much packed into this term that every business needs to consider what it means for them. Whether we're talking about values, opportunities in the workplace or recruitment, ESG needs to be a central driver if we are serious about investing in our future. We all need to be part of the change now, talking less, doing more.

Who better to join me to explain the benefits and how to approach ESG than Nicola Weir, Internal Sustainability and Climate Leader, and ESG Lead, for Deloitte Asia Pacific.

Nicola explains the connection between ESG, employee engagement, mental wellbeing, performance and other key measures that companies are grappling with. She also explores the increasing reality that investors are looking for good ESG credentials, and the impact that is having on companies rethinking the needs of employees.

We discuss:

🌍 The increasing volume of employee voices connecting ESG and employee experience

🌍 How to go about interpreting the standards and practices associated with each of the 3 disciplines within ESG

🌍 How companies can join the dots between employee experience, business strategy and their ESG initiative

🌍 Where to start so that the ESG agenda feels less overwhelming for SMEs

🌍 How organisations communicate their ESG efforts so that they are meaningful to current and prospective employees (complimenting what Sophie and Alice of The Joyful discuss in their episode of the podcast about marketing)

🌍 Key actions business leaders should be implementing now to make a real difference to employee engagement

Shaping a responsible business that treats people well requires a shift in behaviour. Nicola is clear about the fact it's a journey, and the need to take small steps so that the process avoids feeling scary. However small your business, there are conversations you can have and bite-sized changes that you can make to become more sustainable, purposeful and rewarding for your employees (and the planet).

Nicola poses a great question, and one that I will leave you with...

"What would our children do?"

More about Nicola

Nicola is Deloitte Asia Pacific's Internal Climate and Sustainability leader and ESG Partner within Deloitte South Korea. Prior to this Nicola was head for Deloitte Europe's internal sustainability strategy, WorldClimate. She has 20 years experience in business transformation, with specialism in ESG. She has worked in UK, Indonesia, Nepal, Tanzania, Mozambique and now Korea.

She is a mentor to young women and an advisor for start ups - in Nepal she helped establish a business accelerator- Nepal Communitere. In addition she was the founder of consultancy company Thagaconnect who connected experts with NGOs to provide ESG and training services. Nicola was also a Director for Myinloco Ltd community app.

Links to contact Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Weir

Email: nweir@deloitte.com

Resources & References

Environmental reporting guidelines: Including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures | TCFD (fsb-tcfd.org)

IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

GRI - 2020-11-26 GRI supports sustainable efforts among SMEs (globalreporting.org)

Guardian article last year: 'Climate depression is real. And it is spreading fast among our youth'

Judy Samuelson - ESG: Not woke capitalism or greenwashing—but an opportunity for employee voice (qz.com)

What is net zero? Five things you need to know | Deloitte UK

Deloitte Lightbulb List - Recommended reads from leaders and experts to help inspire climate action | Deloitte UK

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Power of Your People: Business Planning for 2023 – David Saab, TVCC

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The fabulous David Saab, Mental Wellbeing Champion and Business Alliance Manager for the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, joins me to kickstart my new series of the podcast for 2023.

In his role at the Chamber, David has a unique perspective into what's going on within companies across the Thames Valley. His observations about what's working and what isn't, David's insight into interpreting that, and his advice about what businesses should focus on during the year ahead, makes this episode a must-listen.

Our conversation includes:

The omission of employee feedback in business planning for 2023, why that is and what companies should be doing differently
Unpicking some of the challenges that organisations have been struggling with over the last year and how to re-think them to move forward with greater success
Ticking boxes, including an insightful perspective on the impact of Mental Health First Aiders
Reasons why many companies continue to neglect or undermine the critical role of meaningful relationships
Work-arounds for managers who struggle to engage with the individual conversations within their team
The power of case-studies for moving forward, based on the resource 'Building a Positive Mental Wellbeing Culture'
Must-dos for leaders to build into their business plan for the year ahead to shift course from "pebble dashing" and "papering over the cracks" (brilliant terms from David to sum up the reality for many companies)

David talks from his heart and with much wisdom. The key messages about what leaders should be focusing on are not rocket science. This conversation strips back the levels of complexity that many companies have found themselves grappling with to improve employee experience, and looks at the simple things that make the biggest difference.

More about David

David's four distinct chapters of his working life include; his youthful chapter spanning various roles and organisations in the UK and Canada, e.g Cable Harness Engineer for a subcontractor building gun turrets for the Greek military. All of which he absorbed and loved.

The second chapter saw David progress from Telesales to Country Manager launching Consumer Electronics and IT Accessory Brands into IT Distribution and Retail Channels.

David then trained for three years as a Psychotherapist and found his passion for being with Clients.

For the past four years David has worked at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce as Business Alliance Manager and heads up their mental health.

Links to contact David:

LinkedIn:

David Saab

Website: www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

Email: davidsaab@tvchamber.co.uk

Resources & References

7 simple questions that will really make a difference to your business After Action Review - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leading with Intention; TVCC webinar presentation by Lisa - Lisa's presentation is 14 minutes, short enough to watch over a coffee! Or find out more and watch the whole webinar: Working Through A Pandemic and Beyond - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The TVCC's Mental Wellbeing Case Study Report ‘Building a positive mental wellbeing culture Mental-Health-Report-Interactive-Spread-Smaller-file.pdf

Mental Wellbeing Charter | Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

(thamesvalleychamber.co.uk)

Rob Smedley talking about After Action Reviews Racing Ahead with After Action Reviews – with Rob Smedley - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Magnus Wood, the guru of kindness The Metaverse: The Future of Work? – with Magnus Wood - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Jim Liptrot who is an MD that's all about the people It’s all about the people – with Jim Liptrot - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Dan Sodergren, Your FLOCK, joins the Beyond the Water Cooler Podcast Future of Work: Not What You Think – with Dan Sodergren - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Your FLOCK Save Your Company ££££'s Support Your People More (yourflock.co.uk)

Govox Wellbeing and Mental Health Platform | Govox - The Proactive Wellbeing Solution

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Golden Threads – with Lisa LLoyd

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this final episode of the series, Lisa highlights some of the key principles for successful growth in life and business. She discusses the relevance of getting employee experience right at a time when so many employees are feeling emotionally drained and therefore simply don't have the capacity to perform well.

Lisa identifies key themes that have arisen from conversations with the guests and the over-arching messages about going back to basics regarding human relationships, and creating space.

Which points inspire you to check out my guests' episodes?

And how are you going to build some of this advice into your experience, to shape a year ahead where you have greater capacity to succeed?

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

RUN BRITANNIA: What I learned - Rachel Sparkhall (LinkedIn)

The Power of Disruption – Sarah Page, OOMPH

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Sarah Page, People Operations Lead at OOMPH has a diverse experience from working in public, private, start-up and corporate companies. She has learnt what works and what doesn't, to create a role in this new, award-winning business.

We discuss...

How Sarah has intentionally shaped a role that focuses on people over process.
What are the key elements that have made the role, and her employer, so successful
The impact of different approaches
Revealing blind spots that lead to action
Open mindset and a disruptive approach to working
Culture add vs fit for culture; the power of diversity
The hugely influential value from working within a non-profit organisation

Sarah is incredibly humble but the reality is she has so much wisdom that others can really benefit from. She makes it all sound so easy but when we are driven by our values and adopt a human approach to work, it really isn't that hard.

Listen to the podcast and then reach out to continue the conversation. You can tell from hearing us... we're easy to talk to!

More about Sarah

Sarah is passionately sustainable, a little bit nerdy about tech (and excel) and a lover of people, so it’s no surprise she finds herself working in the EV sector for one of the coolest companies in Cambridge - OOMPH EV Charging, 'a Female founded clean-tech start-up that is developing the technology to deliver an EV charge top up, when and where you need it. Helping to remove the barriers to EV ownership by putting the consumer first.'

Her focus at Oomph is both to talent spot and help foster a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and belonging. To build an environment that focuses on people and their experience, making work more efficient, fulfilling, rewarding and enjoyable for all.

Links to contact Sarah:

LinkedIn:

Sarah Page

OOMPH

Instagram: @oomphevcharging

Twitter: @oomphEV

Website: www.oomphev.com

Resources & References

Consider yourself a good leader? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Engagement surveys...worth it? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Don’t be the brand who cried purpose – Sophie Turton & Alice Reeves, The Joyful - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Should I Stay or Should I Go? – with Emma Browning - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

2021 ESG report: Sustainable and inclusive growth | McKinsey & Company

Don’t be the brand who cried purpose – Sophie Turton & Alice Reeves, The Joyful

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."

George Bernard Shaw

I’m delighted to be joined by two communication experts, Sophie Turton and Alice Reeves, Directors and Founders of The Joyful. They break down myths, challenge assumptions, get "ranty" about boxes, and really shine a new light on marketing.

I loved this conversation! It was a lot of fun at the same time as communicating how we need to think about branding differently.

From company culture, unpicking purpose and authentic leadership, to ESG and net positive impact, Sophie and Alice have a lot to say! And their energy is palpable!

They share ideas about how to shape business to be joyful, meaning that people love being part of it and spread the right messages about your brand. It's about getting beyond the glossy marketing to make your company look a certain way, and instead shouting about what it's really like. You can spot the necessary link with getting the culture right!

We talk conscious responsibility, collective purpose, feedback loops and how simple things are good! And so much more.

Honestly, I can't think of two people I'd rather have a good, frank conversation with about how we do things. That's why we're finding opportunities to join forces... imagine the difference when you can join all the dots around communication, company culture and mental wellbeing, that underpins everything your company is about.

Put the joy back into your organisation. Get the people right to get your business right.

More about Sophie & Alice

Sophie Turton and Alice Reeves are directors and co-founders of The Joyful, a brand impact and communications consultancy for purpose-driven businesses. They are passionate about using the power of business as a force for good, and work with organisations of all sizes to create joy through every interaction.

They are both mental health advocates and speak openly about their experiences with mental illness and neurodiversity and are on a personal mission to make business more human.

Links to contact Sophie & Alice:

LinkedIn:

Sophie Turton

Alice Reeves

The Joyful

Facebook: wearethejoyful

Instagram: @wearethejoyful

Twitter: @wearethejoyful

Website: wearethejoyful.com

Resources & References

Authentic Leadership: Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Social Responsibility | McKinsey & Company

Download: The Joyful Impact Wheel

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Virgin Experience Days | Experience Blog | Features

Behind the Best Employer & Inspirational Workplace Awards – Danni Rush & Lauren Sweeney, Virgin Incentives

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This is a first! I have two fantastic guests joining me today - Danni Rush, COO, and Lauren Sweeney, Head of People at Virgin Incentives.

We met at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in June where they won Employer of the Year! They are scooping up an increasing number of nominations and awards, including most Inspirational Place to Work, recognition as the #1 Emerging Company to Watch in the US by CIO Bulletin, and Business Leader of the Year in the Thames Valley Business and Community Awards for Danni!

We unpick what is behind Virgin Incentive's success that is all about creating an extraordinary experience for their employees. Danni and Lauren outline what is most important, including their #bettertogether and #embracechange values that has put a real emphasis on connection and collaboration.

We explore the role of both intrinsic motivation and tangible rewards within a purposeful organisation, and personalisation to avoid the one-approach-fits-all, tick-box response to employee recognition. That also includes recognition that their company is not for everyone. The clarity about their culture, confidence in their purpose and values, and transparency in their communication, means that their employees are onboard and enjoy a rewarding experience.

Lauren and Danni describe the culture at Virgin Incentives that is driven by innovation, enabled by the trust and honest communication that they have worked hard to develop. The conversation is an honest reflection on leadership and employee experience hygiene factors.

They identify what they can do better and some of the challenges that lay ahead, as the business continues to grow.

With these two people leading the way, Virgin Incentives will continue to stand out for all the right reasons.

Just goes to show that putting people first counts.

More about Danni

Danni Rush is Chief Operating Officer for Virgin Incentives, Virgin Experience Days and Virgin Experience Gifts. Danni’s career has spanned several industries including travel, retail and outdoor education. Her passion for team engagement, having seen the positive impact that a highly engaged and motivated team can have on business performance. Danni leads the customer experience, product development, partnerships and the people strategy and helped the business navigate through the challenging pandemic period to increase employee engagement ratings and win gold at the 2021 UK Employee Experience Awards.

More about Lauren

Lauren Sweeney is Head of People of at Virgin Incentives, Virgin Experience Gifts and Virgin Experience Days. Passionate about true engagement in the workplace and business growth through a first class people experience.

Links to contact Danni & Lauren:

LinkedIn:

Virgin Incentives

Danni Rush

Lauren Sweeney

Facebook: Virgin Experience Days

Instagram: @Virginexperiencedays

Twitter: @virginincentive

Website: www.virginincentives.com and www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Resources & References

Awards were the reason I was lucky enough to come across why Virgin Incentives stands out. Find out why I was sharing their table at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards here: TVCC Awards - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

CIO Bulletin: Overview | LinkedIn

Thames Valley Business & Community Awards: About | LinkedIn

Jessica Hankers | LinkedIn - Head of Sales at Virgin Incentives

Incentive Awards Events | LinkedIn

TVCC | LinkedIn

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The rePSYCHling of Talent – with Dr Tracy Rea

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Dr Tracy Rea, Director and Founder of Talent Transfer Ltd, and Dr of Philosophy for talent transfer, joins me to discuss a much-needed perspective on rethinking skills, roles and people development.

At a time when so many employees are considering new roles in new companies, there has never been a more important time to consider the talent agenda. The need to create the right environment to fast track people to achieve organisation goals is evident. Here, Tracy explains how and why.

We discuss:

Rethinking role boundaries to prioritise the skill set needed to meet strategic requirements
Operational vs strategic development
The 'development' debate: upskill and employees may leave vs they leave anyway
Creating the right environment for people to have a voice
Self-awareness, including politics as experienced by individuals vs the good of the organisation
The absence of intentional development to fulfil roles following recruitment and the impact on employee experience and staff turnover
Servant leadership

Tracy knows her stuff! She is informative and talks common sense, so a question to ask yourself is: Why are more people not taking such a sensible approach to talent transfer and development?

More about Tracy

As the founder of Talent Transfer (the rePSYCHling of talent), Tracy Rea has successfully created a framework grounded in high performance sport and applied across business. Her purpose is to enable others to successfully navigate their own transition across industries and roles to find work that is more meaningful. Conversely, she also works with organisations to help challenge, educate and inform their approach on strategic talent management to encourage a more diverse workforce. Her own experiences of moving across high-performance sport to financial services and to construction has proved this hypothesis, and she shares these lived experiences through lectures, workshops and coaching.

Links to contact Tracy:

LinkedIn: Dr Tracy Rea Chartered Fellow CIPD

Website: www.talenttransfer.co.uk

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Racing Ahead with After Action Reviews – with Rob Smedley - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Ideas Laboratory – with Andrew Dean

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I'm joined by Andrew Dean, Director at Menlo Park to discuss gathering feedback to shape business.

Andrew's LinkedIn profile says it all...

Our methods and purpose come from our belief that everyone should be happy and fulfilled at work. Placing the right people, in the right roles, will increase happiness, security and productivity in the workplace, in turn, leading to people enjoying an overall greater sense of well-being in their lives.

We put those capable of making a big positive difference, within environments that embrace their qualities and with technologies that enhance their skills; driving innovation and solutions that benefit patients. People that can pursue their passion at work, persevere, stay the course and achieve great things.

Obviously, recruitment is about people, but Andrew's take on creating a company that consciously shapes the best experience for its employees is something we can all learn from, no matter our industry.

We explore Menlo Park's 'Work from Anywhere' policy, but we really zoom in on their 'Ideas Laboratory', part of their process for hearing their people's voices.

This is a new approach that took courage to lead in-house. Andrew shares his practical ideas about:

How he shaped the methodology to feel safe
How people engaged
What was discovered
The dynamics between people who have experience elsewhere vs others whose perception of the industry is wholly Menlo Park's approach
What leaders should be doing to make a positive difference for their employees

More about Andrew

Andrew Dean is Director at Menlo Park Recruitment, an award winning health care recruitment consultancy. Menlo Park are back to back winners of Recruitment Agency of the Year (GP Awards), and were given a recent nod at the Recruiter Awards; highly commended in the best Public Sector Agency category. Andrew believes recruitment agencies are essentially data and marketing companies; and you have to be really good at both, in order to be successful. To be authentic and expound a set of values, you have to live them in the office. That starts with making Menlo a great environment in which to work.

Links to contact Andrew:

LinkedIn:

Andrew Dean

Menlo Park Recruitment

Website: www.menloparkrecruitment.com

Resources & References

After Action Reviews:

After Action Review - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Workplace Insight:

Find out what's really going on Workplace Insight | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Hear me talk about wellbeing and engagement in the workplace with Brodie In Menlo Park's series of talks with mental health professionals: Corporate Challenges - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Life Beyond the Numbers podcast Beyond The Numbers (beyond-thenumbers.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

thekindnesscorporation.com

The Metaverse: The Future of Work? – with Magnus Wood

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss a big topic... the metaverse!

I'm joined by Magnus Wood, Co-Founder of The Kindness Corporation who has a lot to say about working kind in the metaverse, and who is behind the Metaverse Coalition.

We discuss the changing world of work and how virtual reality is going to be part of our day-to-day reality in not-too-far a future. This shift in how we communicate and interact raises lot of questions, which we discuss here.

There are key considerations for leadership as they embrace this change. We explore how companies can reduce anxiety that many people will have about a such a unique way of working. And we recognise the value that many employees who are more both familiar and secure in the VR world can bring to the organisation.

Magnus is great at connecting the metaverse with the need to #workkind and he explains the return on investment from the largest study on workplace kindness conducted last year.

The future is just around the corner when we consider the number of companies already working with the metaverse; it is no longer a concept that we can put off engaging with. Magnus helps us to understand how to start the conversations in our organisations, and how to provide a collective voice that will maintain the human element of a virtual future.

More about Magnus

Magnus Wood runs The Kindness Corporation. After a successful corporate career, culminating in running a multi-million dollar creative production company, Magnus stepped away in 2019 to start an exploration of workplace kindness. So convinced by its power he published The Kindness Code book in 2020 and started The Kindness Corporation, which now works globally helping work suck less and businesses thrive more.

Links to contact Magnus:

LinkedIn: Magnus Wood

Instagram: @magnuswood

Twitter: @magnuswood

Websites:

www.workkind.community

Resources & References

Metaverse Coalition (notion.site)

A Manifesto for Working in the Metaverse | The Kindness Corporation™

Engage for Success: The Movement - Engage for Success

Thriving in Increasingly Demanding Times – with David MacLeod OBE - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Work Forum: Home - FutureWork Forum

Are leaders all they’re cracked up to be? – with Stuart Neilson - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Return on Character: The Real Reason Leaders and Their Companies Win by Fred Kiel | Goodreads

The #WorkKind Community: www.workkind.community

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Pete Sanders (@peterecruiter)

The Great Disconnect – with Pete Sanders

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Pete Sanders, Co-Founder and Group MD at The identifi Group, joins me to discuss the challenge of recruitment in a world where the workforce is so dispersed.

This is something that so many companies are struggling with right now, despite the fact that arguably, it should be easier than ever to recruit when remote working is the norm. So, what really is getting in the way?

We explore:

How the 'dis-connect' can enhance diversity
How open companies are to exploring the real reason for needing to recruit
How companies can position themselves as meaningful organisations to engage with, in a digital world
How to win the race to recruit talent, faced with the dilemma about skill sets vs cultural fit
How to provide a consistent candidate experience so that companies demonstrate their care from the outset.

Pete explains how his company drives a partnership that motivates employers and recruiters to do the right thing by those looking for work. A Candidate Charter shapes an experience that is meaningful and positive, even when candidates are not selected for the role.

If you're not sure the effort is worth it, listen to what Pete has to say about their stats (based on client feedback) compared to the industry average! The recruitment process really is a significant part of employee experience and your brand.

How confident are you that prospective employees, who are then rejected, would talk favourably about you and promote your company?

If you would like help to understand and develop your purpose, culture, and people, get in touch with Pete or It's Time for Change.

More about Pete

Pete Sanders is an Executive Search Specialist and Owner & Co-Founder of identifi Global. Pete also hosts the People First Podcast Series, which shines a light on great companies that truly value their people. Pete has 20 years experience recruiting mid-senior level technical & business specialists. He founded identifi Global on the simple premise of providing first class candidate experience. identifi Global is the only recruitment company that rewards it consultants based on candidate experience.

Links to contact Pete:

LinkedIn:

identifi Global Resources

Facebook: @identifiglobal

Website: www.identifiglobal.com

Resources & References

Authentic, self-aware leadership: Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

There's no such thing as a bad interview, only a bad interviewer: Identifi Global (www.identifiglobal.com)

Identifi Global Candidate Charter | Identifi Global

Identify Me | Identifi Global

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Johari Window - Bing video

Umbrellas: Part of the Leadership Tool Kit – with Graham Ballantyne

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Graham Ballantyne, Director and Owner of UK Business Mentoring Group, joins me to discuss umbrella leadership.

This conversation unpicks the term 'umbrella leadership' and why leaders might choose to use that approach.

We also discuss some of the dangers of using that style of leadership, and how to mitigate for those.

As someone who used the approach with mixed success, Graham talks about it with conviction. As with any 'tool', it's about knowing why, when and where it can be useful. It's also about being aware of the pitfalls so that you engage with the approach with your eyes wide open.

We explore some of the key components of effective leadership that should underpin:

our approach to achieving the best experience for our teams
achieving the most from our teams
and our ability to maintain a healthy sense of balance in a role that we consciously create.

More about Graham

Graham is a director of the UK Business Mentoring Group where he supports boards and business owners across all aspects; from strategy, growth, succession planning, governance, turnaround, leadership, executive coaching and exit planning. Prior to this he spent 30 years in banking and financial services mostly in senior leadership roles. Graham has supported thousands of businessess over his career across a host of industries. Graham is passionate about education, social mobility and creating great environments for people to sucseed and be the best versions of themselves.

Links to contact Graham:

LinkedIn: Graham Ballantyne - Busines Mentoring Oxfordshire Berkshire

Facebook: UK Business Mentoring Oxfordshire

Website: www.ukbusinessmentoring.co.uk/business-mentors/graham-ballantyne

Resources & References

Authentic, self-aware leadership: Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Majority of professionals would leave if not offered work flexibility | theHRD (thehrdirector.com)

Should I Stay or Should I Go? – with Emma Browning

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

* NEWSFLASH: Emma is recruiting! If you'd like to join her awesome team, click on the link here *

Emma Browning, Managing Director of Meraki HR Solutions, joins me to discuss the role of stay interviews.

Morgan McKinley found earlier this year that 42% of UK professionals do NOT know what their employer is doing to try and retain them.

Stay interviews are part of a process that helps organisations understand what matters to their employees, and what they’d like to see improve, before those people decide to leave.

Some of you will think that you already tick the box for seeking the views of your workforce. But if that's simply through engagement or satisfaction surveys, think again. Stay interviews are a very different platform to collaboratively explore ideas; they can identify root causes of problems and find solutions that actually make a difference.

In this episode of Beyond the Water Cooler, we unpick just what difference these conversations can make to identify and correct problems, and to gain clarity about the positives so that you can continue to build on these.

We discuss some pitfalls, for example when your culture does not foster the psychological safety necessary for open, trusting and honest conversations.

And Emma shares some great examples of questions to ask employees to really uncover what's going on!

If you're committed to making your employees' experience as good as it can be, stay interviews need to be part of your regular practice.

More about Emma

Emma is a highly qualified and experienced HR Director, with a strong and proven pedigree in delivering results to the bottom line, fast. She continues to work with clients directly and particularly likes to work with growing businesses to help them develop the right people strategy that will enable their growth, working with business leaders/people managers who want to improve their leadership skills. Emma is also an engaging trainer and facilitator who will create and deliver workshops on a wide range of people management topics such as Recruitment, Coaching skills for the Manager, How to have Difficult Conversations as well as How to Conduct an Effective Appraisal.

Emma is a Fellow of the CIPD and has a Postgraduate Degree in HR and Masters Degree in the Management of Innovation and change from Oxford Brookes Business School.

Any of you who know and have worked with Emma, will know the high standards she works to and you can expect nothing less of her team!

Did you know……? Emma’s favourite pastime is hill and fell walking in the UK with her husband.

Links to contact Emma:

LinkedIn: Emma C Browning

Website: merakihr.com

Email: emma@merakihr.com

Resources & References

What is the ONE incentive that would make UK employees change jobs? | theHRD (thehrdirector.com)

Engagement surveys...worth it? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Are you a good listener? | Meraki HR (merakihr.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Racing Ahead with After Action Reviews – with Rob Smedley

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Rob Smedley, CEO and Founder of Smedley Group, joins me to explore After Action Reviews (AARs) as a tool for driving positive change.

We delve into a lot more than AARs though, as Rob has built his company around a very clear mission that is about disrupting the motorsport industry.

He is also taking the lead in the business by very intentionally creating a team that can develop, innovate, and perform at the same high standards that he is used to from Formula 1. His focus on building the culture, behaviours and expectations that are necessary to succeed in business today are what drove Rob to engage with the AAR process.

When we hit ‘pause’ and ask the right questions, we are able to highlight strengths and find out what can be done differently next time to make the experience more positive and make it easier to engage and perform.

Yet, in many organisations, people feel the need to cover their back and find who’s to blame when things don’t go as well as they could, rather than focus on the learning. An After Action Review, within a climate of psychological safety, provides huge insight that is directly relevant to drive positive change.

Rob shares how the AAR has impacted on practice. He has found the process so valuable that an interim AAR is on the cards; why wait until the end of a project to review it?

More about Rob

Rob Smedley has over 20 years of experience in the world of motorsport, having spent time at multiple F1 teams including Jordan, as a Race Engineer at Ferrari and as Head of Vehicle Performance at Williams before taking on the Director of Data systems at Formula 1 from 2019 to 2021. He now works with some of the world’s leading technology brands helping them deliver solutions as well as running his own advanced technology and motorsport business. In between times he acts as a consultant to F1 helping them shape their technical roadmap.

Links to contact Rob:

LinkedIn: Rob Smedley

Website: totalkartingmotorsport.com

Resources & References

Find out more about the AAR process in my blog: After Action Review - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Rob's disruption to the status quo is welcomed (by most - see the comments): LinkedIn: Lisa LLoyd: Purpose Driven Employee Experience

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

About OCD | OCD-UK (ocduk.org)

OCD Unplugged – with Colin Minto

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Colin Minto, Global Early Careers Talent Attraction Lead at HSBC, joins me today to discuss OCD.

As someone who lives with OCD himself, he enlightens people about the reality, guides companies about what they should and should not do, and helps us think about the mental health condition differently.

There will be many people who will not think this episode of Beyond the Water Cooler is relevant to them. But the conversation stretches far wider than OCD. We discuss individual human differences (regardless of what they are about), broader mental health, and utilising people's strengths. We explore how to get the best out of people, about leading with compassion and authenticity, and about a different take on remote working.

Colin explains OCD and the impact it can have, manifesting itself in different ways for different people. He shares his experience in a way that is informative and thought provoking. How many people in our organisations appear to be functioning well but are consumed with so much more mental noise than we're aware of?

We discuss ways of managing OCD, and how employers can (must) do their part.

Colin is engaging and realistic. This conversation is much more than a focus on OCD - it's about creating a company that is most likely to succeed in the future.

To find out more about Colin's take on medication, listen to the 3 minute clip here (we ran out of time in the podcast!)

More about Colin

Colin is a Global TA and Employer Brand Leader and OCD Survivor, Influencer and Activist.

Links to contact Colin:

LinkedIn: Colin Minto

Twitter: @colinminto

Instagram: @ocdunplugged

TikTok: @ocdunplugged

Resources & References

Homepage - OCD Action

Mental Wellbeing Webinar - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Genesis - The Eleos Partnership

OCD October

Katie d'Ath: OCD Treatment (YouTube)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

This is who I am: Personal insights from 10 inspiring role models

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This episode is a little bit different.

My guests from series 2 have shared their thoughts to 3 questions that have impacted on who they are today:

If they could rewind 10 years, what advice would they give themselves?
What have they learned about themselves to keep hold of into the future?
And what one thing would they leave in the past?

It is worth listening to what they have to say because their insight is a real opportunity to evaluate the path that you are on.

How aligned is your reality to the experience you want?

What is within your control to change?

Whether it is about mindset, letting go of fear, or collaborating with the right people, there is something that should resonate with you in what these guests share.

There are some real gems of advice that really add to what they had to say in their individual conversations throughout season 2. I'd urge you to think about who resonates and then check out their episode.

Thank you to:

Celia Champion

Maureen Robson-Norman

If you're feeling stuck and would like to chat about how to re-shape your experience, how to explore these challenges with your wider team, or about changing the direction you're moving in, drop me a line - I'm here to help.

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Join the Club to stay in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Engagement Through CEO Eyes Report - Engage for Success

As MD, I’m Just A Customer Of The Business – with Eric Collins

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

Award winning Eric Collins, MD at The Jackloc Company, joins me to share what he has learned and how he has overcome the challenges that he has experienced during his 35 year corporate life before taking on his own business.

Eric is driven by doing what is right for people and so he is very much onboard with the need for positive employee engagement, great company culture and effective leadership.

Some of the areas we explore include:

The need for ongoing professional development at every stage of your career
The importance of an open mindset, self-awareness and empathy for others
The role of personal, guiding principles, including a conscious decision about the work-life pull
Barriers to engagement for CEOs, unpicked through work with Engage for Success
The reality that culture change does not suit everyone
Benefits for your brand when you focus on creating a thriving, engaging company culture
The impact of employee engagement and ability to thrive on growth potential and burnout, referring to the Gallup State of the Global Workforce 2022 report
Leading a strategic plan for a thriving and engaging company culture, including a vision, a story and your own special gems
Actions for leaders to take away, that make a real difference

The message is simple: don't over-complicate leadership. Remember that what ever the future of work looks like, people are human beings so treat them like human beings. That will never change.

More about Eric

Eric is an experienced and commercially orientated Managing Director with success and knowledge of culture change and colleague engagement. He is an advocate of providing the very best customer service and journey. He lead a multi national packaging company to the engagement & overall company of the year award 2010 from the CIPD/People management. Eric is currently owner and Managing Director of The Jackloc Company Ltd - the leading window safety product business.

Links to contact Eric:

LinkedIn: Eric Collins

Twitter: @JackLoc_

Instagram:

@jacklocuk

@ericgcollins

Website: www.jackloc.com

Email: eric.collins@jackloc.com

Resources & References

Future Engage Deliver

Gallup State of the Global Workforce: 2022 report

The Movement - Engage for Success

Steve Radcliffe: Leadership Plain and Simple:

Youtube: 03 Steve Radcliffe: Leadership Plain and Simple

Book: Radcliffe, Leadership: Plain and Simple, 2nd Edition | Pearson | Overview

David Macleod podcast episode: Thriving in Increasingly Demanding Times – with David MacLeod OBE - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Dan Sodergren podcast episode: Future of Work: Not What You Think – with Dan Sodergren - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Developing self-awareness to transcend leadership: Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Gallup: State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report

Future of Work: Not What You Think – with Dan Sodergren

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

This was so much fun to record!

Dan Sodergren is a Ted X talker, keynote speaker, ex-marketing agency owner, digital trainer, serial tech start-up founder and now media spokesperson. Quite some profile!

Some of Dan's main areas of interest are the future of work, remote work and using data, and he is co-founder of YourFLOCK, a team engagement platform based on values.

We unpick challenges and share insights about employee experience, retention and what the future of work is really about, including:

Why a blanket approach to expectations for employees, including hybrid working, does not work
What high performing teams look like and what they need from their leader to enable this
How managers who find one-to-ones challenging can still find out what they need to know
Mindset vs generational differences
How economics will destroy companies if bosses don't listen - it's a simple choice
Employees in the UK need recognition more than other countries; a fact we can't ignore
The role of quality data and tech to improve employee engagement and retention
Feedback to inform employee needs and priorities that are straight forward to action

More about Dan

Dan is a Ted X talker, keynote speaker, ex marketing agency owner, digital trainer, serial tech startup founder and now media spokesperson. Dan's main area of interest is the future of work, remote work, data, green tech and tech startups. He is co-founder of YourFLOCK.co.uk - a team engagement platform based on values.

Links to contact Dan:

LinkedIn: Dan Sodergren FutureOfWork

Twitter:

@YourFLOCK

@dansodergren

Website: www.YourFLOCK.co.uk

Email: dan@YourFLOCK.co.uk

Resources & References

Achievers: 4 Ways Pulse Surveys Can Positively Impact Employee Engagement

Dale Carnegie: Is Employee Engagement Really a Priority?

Eat Sleep Work Repeat: Proof that Flexible Working is a Battle for Equality

Business Wire: Future Forum Study Reveals Employee Experience Scores Dropping Sharply as Return-to-Office Policies Take Effect, Particularly for Those Without Schedule Flexibility

People Management: One in five workers feel they receive less recognition working from home, poll finds

Owl Labs: State of Hybrid Work 2022: Europe

YourFLOCK: Calculating The Cost of Employee Turnover

YourFLOCK: How to Retain Lawyers Without a Significant Pay Rise

YourFLOCK: Cost calculator

Jim Liptrot podcast episode: It’s all about the people – with Jim Liptrot - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stuart Neilson podcast episode: Are leaders all they’re cracked up to be? – with Stuart Neilson - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

David MacCleod podcast episode: Thriving in Increasingly Demanding Times – with David MacLeod OBE - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Workplace Insight to find out what's really going on for your employees: Workplace Insight | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Engage for success website, radio show and report

Thriving in Increasingly Demanding Times – with David MacLeod OBE

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

David MacLeod, OBE for Services to Business and Employee Engagement, joins me in this really interesting episode (even if I say so myself!). David talks about his passion and expertise around enabling people to work to their full potential, and he should know a thing or two about it. In 2009, along with Nita Clarke, David produced the Engage for Success report for the Secretary of State for Business, and this really shone a light on how to improve employee experience and business outcomes.

Since then, David has developed the Engage for Success movement, committed to the idea that there is a better way to work; a better way to enable personal growth and organisational growth by releasing more of the capability and potential of people at work. The movement focuses on growing awareness about the power and potential of employee engagement, provoking people to think, to learn and to take action. So who better to share his insights on this podcast?!

We explore a lot (and we could have continued talking for hours!) including:

How the 2009 report came about
Goals vs strategy
Processes vs people
What employee engagement really means
Employee activism
The evidence that shows people first is a must
The relevance of Engaging for Success in the current climate
How organisations can address engagement using four enablers
The widening gap between good and poor managers
Top tips for leaders to drive change now

If you're really interested in making a difference to employee engagement, contact us to find out more or check out the Engage for Success Movement - open your mind, learn ways to make a real difference, take action.

More about David

David is co-founder of Engage for Success. He is a visiting Professor of the Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), An Honorary Professor of Nottingham Business School, a fellow of the Institute of Marketing, the RSA and a companion member of the CMI. David is co-author, with Nita Clarke, of the MacLeod Report, ‘Engage for Success’ described by the CMI as the definitive work on this subject. This follows an early career in marketing followed by becoming a divisional CEO of a global business. He has been an NED of three Government Departments and has worked for a year and a half in the Cabinet Office. David was awarded an OBE for services to Employee Engagement and Business in June 2013.

Links to contact David:

LinkedIn:

David Macleod

Engage for Success

Facebook: EngageForSuccess

Twitter: @Engage4Success

Website: engageforsuccess.org

Email: info@engageforsuccess.org

Resources & References

The Four Enablers - Engage for Success

Engage for Success – Get Engaged video

Employee Engagement Guide For Managers

Engagement surveys...worth it?

Engagement Action Plans

Wellbeing and Engagement in the Workplace; Lisa sharing her view as a guest, talking with Brodie Crighton of Menlo Park Recruitment

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps

Daniel Goleman

Amanda Page

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

ISO - ISO 45003:2021 - Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks

People: Everyone’s Business – with Sheila Lord

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

Sheila Lord, Director of BMR Health and Wellbeing, joins me in this episode to explore the ISO 45003 and how it can benefit employee experience.

The ISO 45003 is the first global standard that gives employers practical guidance on how to manage psychosocial risks to staff in the workplace, focusing on the “mental health” and “wellbeing” aspects of health & safety. It helps companies build a positive working environment that can help improve organisational resilience, and enhance experience, motivation and performance. It has become essential in a world where the lines between work and home are blurred; it is no longer an optional extra but a right for employees.

We unpick the ISO 45003 as an approach to use as a positive process for informing and enabling change. Included in our discussion is:

Adopting a holistic approach to planning for positive workplace wellbeing and employee experience
What the guidance covers
Company engagement with the ISO standard
Common psychological risks in the workplace
Debunking language and considering which terms are useful or a hinderance
Operationalising wellbeing

Sheila is a great person to speak to for more support getting to know and using the ISO 45003. If you're interested in exploring the themes of leadership, work culture, psychological safety, employee experience and mental wellbeing, why not drop me a line. I'm always happy to chat!

More about Sheila

When it comes to mental health in the workplace, Sheila, by her own admission, has learned from her mistakes. She saw first-hand how businesses and organisations weren’t taking mental health seriously and what a detrimental impact that was having on industry as a whole.

To tackle this head-on, Sheila started BMR and today the company leads the way in mental health support programme’s, all of which have a definitive return on investment.

Well known for her ability to ‘cut to the chase’, Sheila believes that workplace wellbeing isn’t just about fruit bowls and yoga and that you can’t simply magic away employee stress by ‘fixing’ people.

Links to contact Sheila:

LinkedIn: Sheila Lord BMR

Facebook: BMRHealthUK

Twitter: @bmrhealthuk

Website: www.bmrhealthandwellbeing.co.uk

Resources

WEBINAR: Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leading Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Psychological Safety - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

References

Burning the candle - a guide to preventing workplace burnout.pdf (robertwalters.co.uk)

ISO 45003 Workplace Wellbeing - what and why.pdf (ihasco.co.uk)

Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke: WHO, ILO

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Men’s Health Week 2022 – InsideOut (lettheinsideout.com)

Onboard Men’s Health Week – with John Holland

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

John Holland, Senior Software Engineer & Mental Health First Aider at Maersk, joins me to explore men's mental health as part of employee experience.

As a Mental Health First Aider, John provides real insight into some of the challenges that men experience and how to engage with them. But he offers more than that; John is an advocate for a more holistic approach to mental wellbeing. He recognises the role of individual responsibility, of leadership establishing the culture, and the importance of having someone to be by your side, no matter what people are experiencing. 'Walking with your colleagues' is an approach that so many organisations could benefit from.

We cover a range of points including:

How mental health fits into the wider employee experience and Health and Safety agendas
How Maersk is approaching work experience, particularly for men
Creating opportunities to develop employee experience and mental wellbeing when it's beyond the day job
Challenging the name of Mental Health First Aiders
Gender differences in experiencing mental health difficulties and seeking help, and how to tackle them
Shifting the focus from responding to preventing problems
The value EAPs provide when the breadth of resources and support is known
Using employee engagement surveys to make a difference
Useful tips for men, and practical steps for leaders

More about John

John works in IT for an amazing company called Maersk, and within the organisation he is part of a mental health first aid network. They offer support, run webinars and promote wellbeing within the company. Outside of work he presents on a radio station called RunnRadio.com. When he is not working or presenting, he is married with a 10 year old son. Music is a big passion of his and he loves what he does for the radio station.

Links to contact John:

LinkedIn: John Holland

Facebook: JohnHollandPresenter

Instagram: @johnpholland71

Website: www.maersk.com

References:

Captain Phillips (2013) - IMDb

Resources:

My Interview on Runn Radio - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Wellness Action Plan download - Mind

Wellbeing and Mental Health Platform | Govox - The Proactive Wellbeing Solution

Men's Health Forum | LinkedIn

5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Steve Phillip | LinkedIn - Suicide Prevention Advocate

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Workplace Culture: 14 Steps - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Should Have Listened to my Gut – with Will Shorter

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

Will Shorter joins me to share his story about his experience of working in a damaging culture. We unpick what was wrong and the impact it had, ultimately driving him to leave the company. That was clearly their loss and a gain for both Will personally and his current employer, EKF Diagnostics.

According the the Culture Economy Report 2021, toxic workplace culture is costing the UK economy £20.2 billion per year, and is causing almost a third of employees to quit their role. That is staggering when work culture has supposedly been pushed up the agenda and become a priority for what we must get right, over recent years.

We explore a number of issues for work culture that companies should be aware of:

The need for friendly challenge - positive conflict to innovate, share knowledge and improve outcomes
The need for recognition about what employees invest in their work, and their achievements
The role of After Action Reviews (AARs)
Growth and development; a narrow-minded approach to priorities
Working from strengths and using DISC profiling to increase awareness of ourselves and others
Micro-management and the need to develop manager skills and mentoring roles

"68% of people who have worked for a micro-manager experienced a decrease in their morale, and 55% claimed it hurt their productivity. Around 36% of employees change job as a result of micro-management."

The need for feedback to raise self-awareness as a manager or leader
A conscious approach to embracing and leading change

"86% of employees admit that the purpose and thrill disappear after their ideas got shot down because 'that's not how we do things'".

The impact of not getting the work culture right; and the need to listen to our gut instinct
The ability to create a culture for positive employee experience when remote working
The need to disrupt the status quo and change things that aren't working
The need for employers to engage with mental health by providing their employees with the tools to help themselves

More about Will

Global Product Manager of Diabetes Care at EKF Diagnostics, Will Shorter has been involved in product management for over 13 years.

Links to contact Will:

LinkedIn: William Shorter

Email: williamshorter@ekfdiagnostics.com

Website: www.ekfdiagnostics.com

Further Support:

For support to conduct AARs, lead change, develop your work culture and strengthen the competence and confidence of managers, get in touch.

For support with DISC profiling, contact Helen Joy

Resources:

Employee Engagement Guide For Managers - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

26 Why Employees Quit Statistics That You Should Know (2022) - Soocial

Micromanagement: What Is It? Why Do People Do It? How Can

You Spot It? - Development Academy (development-academy.co.uk)

2 Ultimate Reasons Employees Quit Their Jobs And Why It Will

Get Worse (forbes.com)

The Culture Economy Report 2021 | Breathe (breathehr.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Is Fear blocking your leadership? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Feeling the Fear; Doing it Anyway – with Lydia Berry

Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

Lydia Berry, Founder and Director at Waymaker Consulting is a phenomenal woman. Her personal story that she shares here tells us a lot about why she is who she is today. Lydia has been able to draw on her tragedy 10 years ago to reframe her weaknesses, challenge her fear, and lead her team with a clarity about what provides the most meaningful experience at work.

Lydia's story is one about child bereavement. If you are affected by this and would like to seek support, you will find the details of Sands below, an organisation that Lydia highly recommends.

Here is some of what we explore:

Leader self-awareness as a determining factor of employee experience
The difference that leadership style makes
The impact of our personal traits on our mental health, if we are not self-aware and able to take control
Other's perceptions and how they can drive our behaviour
Reframing weaknesses to become strengths
Using personal journeys to shape how we lead the experience of our employees
The recognition and role of fear, and using it to drive personal and business development
Practical steps for leaders to bring out the best in their teams – to help them thrive and perform

More about Lydia

Founder and Director at Waymaker Consulting, Lydia Berry is a strategist, planner, practical partner, future-proofer, compassionate sounding board. Being able to come in with fresh eyes, survey the current situation and see the best way forward is something Lydia has developed over the years. The Waymaker Way offers businesses practical, logical, strategic and realistic changes that will directly impact the bottom line. We make a WAY for your business to grow.

Links to contact Lydia:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-berry-118888169/

Email: lydia@waymakerconsulting.co.uk

Website: www.waymakerconsulting.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaymakerConsulting/

Instagram: @waymakerconsulting

Resources/references:

Consider yourself a good leader? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

How A Lack Of Self-Awareness Leads To Ineffective Leadership

(forbes.com)

What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) (hbr.org)

Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

By the Water Cooler Episode 13: Remote Working - Part 1: A Dirty Secret - with Dave Harms

Remote Working – Part 2: Strategies for Leaders

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:05:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

This episode is a little bit different. Having had a great conversation with Dave Harms in my last episode about remote working, I felt there was a bit more to add. I wanted to share with you some strategies for leaders to use when planning remote working, to help it become more effective.

I hope you find it helpful. Don't forget to listen to Dave and I discuss the topic first, in episode 13.

Here are some resources that might be of interest too:

Transcending Leadership in the Tipi Tickets, Tue 24 May 2022 at 09:00 | Eventbrite

Stress: Checking-In - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk): Strategies to give managers confidence

Employee-Engagement-Guide-For-Managers.pdf: A framework for leaders to engage teams

Wellness Action Plan download - Mind

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk): Identify and tackle the stressors

Too passive to de-stress? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk): A framework for team discussion

Sources:

Owl Labs

MHFA England

American Psychological Association

Topia research: Employee Experience: A Buzzword That Means Different Things (cxotoday.com)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Transcending Leadership in the Tipi Tickets, Tue 24 May 2022 at 09:00 | Eventbrite

Remote Working – Part 1: A Dirty Secret – with Dave Harms

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

Dave Harms, partner at Valentine Thomas & Partners, specialising in senior searches for investment management firms across the globe, has an informed perspective on remote working, as it is a conversation he is engaging in with most clients.

We discuss remote working, the current context, and the how to think about a challenge that has no one answer! It's a topic that Dave and I get involved in frequently, exploring what it can look like for companies and how to go about getting it right for both the employer and the workforce.

Remote working is a broad topic; some of the points we cover include:

The Pros and Cons of remote working
Examples in the news about different (and controversial) approaches to remote working
Does reducing pay make sense from a deliverables perspective?
The development of different roles to meet current needs in the workforce
The impact of remote work on different groups gender pay gap
The benefit of remote working for diversity and inclusion
The challenge for company culture
Impact on company reputation, recruitment and retention
Finding the right fit between potential employees and company culture
The courage to ask employees what they want and need
Best practice for remote working

More about Dave

David is a partner at Valentine Thomas, an executive search firm that specialises in senior searches for investment management firms across the globe, with a focus on the markets in London, Europe and the US. David also co-leads the growing ESG practice at Valentine Thomas where his works includes hiring talent in the areas of sustainability, impact and SRI.

Links to contact Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harms-22b1b07/

Email: Dharms@valentinethomas.com

Website: www.valentinethomas.com

Resources/references:

Just another Buzz Word? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk): Employee experience

owl lab

ISO 45003:2021(en), Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-robson/

Learning Organisations: Networked Without Egos – with Maureen Robson-Norman

Fri, 13 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

I really enjoyed this conversation with Maureen Robson-Norman, Founder and CEO (Chief Engagement Officer) of Whyaye. The name of her company says everything... it is different, with fun and connection being at the heart of what they do, "Putting the yay into every day!"

We unpick transformation in terms of changing the way people work, through their learning, mindset and engagement. A key part in enabling that is removing the need for hierarchy that exists in most organisations.

The traditional progression ladder, that is the basis of promotion in most companies, means that even the idea of considering changing this sends shivers down the spine! It does take courage but it is worth exploring, particularly when you listen to Maureen and I delve into why we need to think about hierarchy, status and development differently:

Brutal honesty to embrace change and breed the right behaviours
The driving force: to be kind and to be brave
How role titles can undermine psychological safety
The development of self-concept
The role of leadership
Conscious use of language; challenging the norms
Experience and expertise vs seniority and how this shapes mentoring
The need for status and how to achieve that outside of job titles
The real difference getting employee experience right can make
How to go about flattening the hierarchy and creating the right experience

More about Maureen

Maureen co-founded Whyaye with Anna Bissett and Lisa Smith. She has shaped Whyaye to stimulate open-mindedness and challenge the norm to transform ways of working. She has a passion for driving positive business change across large global enterprises and her previous experience is in the delivery of global digital and HR transformations across a range of industries.

Links to contact Maureen:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/whyaye/

Email: info@whyayeltd.com

Website: www.whyayeltd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_aye_ltd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/whyayeltd

Resources/references:

Flattening the hierarchy is just one of the approaches informed team leaders might use: Ingredients for Leaders - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Fear Less by Dr Pippa Grange

Unpicking the Plan – with Celia Champion

Fri, 06 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Series 2: The how to getting employee experience right.

This episode is a little bit different! Celia invited me to join her to talk about planning for positive employee experience within a clinic setting. It made complete sense to share this conversation on Beyond the Water Cooler as we cover so many aspects that I talk about each week.

There are a number of different strands that we explore, including:

How leaders can enhance the team experience, at an individual, team and whole-organisation level
Unpicking the behaviours necessary for people to feel safe to engage in the team experience; actions speak louder than words
The 'why' of our role, recognition of our value, connection, belonging,
The need for positive conflict vs we're too nice for feedback
How to introduce a new culture or initiatives and keep the enthusiasm alive
Looking for specific opportunities and overcoming challenges
Listening to your gut
Clarifying your role; your team vs service delivery
The expert vs the manager; challenging hierarchical models
How to position the business in the recruitment drive to attract the best team members
Changing the recruitment focus and communicating real employ experience

More about Celia:

Celia Champion is the owner of Painless Practice. Celia specialises in supporting health practitioners on the non-clinical, business side of their practice. Whether you want to grow your practice, plan your exit strategy, get a better work life balance or manage your practice and team more efficiently and more successfully, Painless Practice are able to help. Celia and her team are passionate about seeing practitioners enjoying their work and achieving their vision. Celia co-authored ‘Seven Pillars of a Painless Practice and is a leading keynote speaker in her field.

Links to contact Celia:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiachampion/

Email: celia@painlesspractice.com

Website: www.painlesspractice.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/painlesspractice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painlesspractice/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/celiachampion

Resources/references:

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

Drive by Daniel Pink

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Self-awareness is the “meta-skill of the 21st Century,” according to Tasha Eurich, and I tend to agree. That's the starting point for emotional intelligence, maximising potential and good leadership.

So, in this concluding episode for the first series, we hear from the guests who have appeared on my podcast who talk about their journeys, what they have learned, and the principles that shape the way they work. The insight these leaders provide are a great addition to what they discuss in their individual shows, that have been all about unpicking what we mean by employee experience.

Thank you Andrew, Stuart, Anna, Mike, Ali, Charlotte and Sally.

I asked each guest 4 questions:

If you could rewind 10 years, what advice would you give to yourself?
What two things have you learned about yourself during your career and what one thing would you leave in the past?
Name one thing you’d like all business leaders to be doing now.

I wonder what your responses to these questions would be?

How do your reflections impact on your self-awareness? How do your answers shape your next steps?

And finally, what will you take forward from the episodes in this first series, to influence better things to come for yourself and those around you?

Do drop me a line at lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk to let me know what resonates with you, what you're planning or to explore something you're feeling stuck with. I'm more than happy to have a chat.

We’re going to be taking a short break now but returning after the Easter holiday to launch into our next series about planning for employee experience. So, listen out for the next episode on Friday 6th May.

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Being Bray: The impact of Psychological Safety – with Sally Naunton

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Sally Naunton, who has been MD at Bray Health Care since 2019, joins me to discuss Being Bray and the Impact of Psychological Safety. Sally's leadership has taken her workforce on a journey to develop a new way of working, based on a framework the team created called Being Bray.

In this conversation we explore psychological safety, including:

how it is part of employee experience
the motivation for developing Being Bray
how values need to be more explicit in terms of behaviours
the process of developing and embedding the framework
some of the challenges around achieving and maintaining psychological safety
personal responsibility and accountability
using the framework for growth and progression within the company: bronze, silver and gold standards
advice for companies thinking about a similar approach

To find out more about psychological safety in your workplace, read my blog here.

Links to resources:

Although Sally has not yet produced an overview to share about the Bray approach, she is happy to be contacted for further information.

More about Sally:

Sally has been the MD at Bray Healthcare since November 2019. She is MBA qualified with both commercial and operational experience in healthcare. Her career has included senior board level roles in entrepreneurially driven, private equity backed medical device businesses as well as the public sector. Whilst she has always been headquartered in the UK, she has held direct operational responsibility for overseas operations in Germany, France and Australia. People are her passion and she sees her role as a leader to support, develop and mentor her Team.

Links to contact Sally:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sallynaunton

Email: sally@bray-healthcare.com

Website: www.bray.co.uk

Twitter: @SallyNaunton

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

It’s all about the people – with Jim Liptrot

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode I'm joined by Jim Liptrot, MD of Howorth Air Technology. He has been on an interesting journey that is full of learning and Jim has put this into practice by leading with intention. The clear purpose and values that shape his practice as a leader are encapsulated in The Howorth Way. This is an approach that many organisations would benefit from exploring for themselves.

We talk about how to enable people to be their best selves and the importance of getting the right people to create the fantastic dots to join up. We cover a lot about leading an engaging and values-led organisation, including:

What has shaped Jim to become the leader he is today
The core values and behaviours that drive Jim's leadership style
The culture that drives employee experience at Howorth
The journey at Howorth, including some of the challenges and highlights
Getting from 'good' to 'great'

Links to resources:

The Howorth Way: About Howorth | Howorth Air Tech (howorthgroup.com)

Simon Sinek: Start with why -- how great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound - Bing video

Jim Collins: Getting the Right People in the Right Seats over Time : Jim Collins - Video/Audio

More about Jim:

Managing Director of Howorth Air Tech:

Extensive experience gained in Blue Chip and SME environments. 25 years with BAe from apprentice to Senior Operations Leadership and over 20 years having a major impact in SME’s across the North West. The last 13+ years at Howorth Air Tech starting as Operations Manager in 2008 before progressing through the ranks to become MD in 2018. The result has seen transformational culture change within the business which is known throughout the company as “The Howorth Way”

An inspirational leader with a passion to change lives and a strong emphasis on Customer Focus. From the minute someone walks through the doors of Howorth they are inspired by the cultural feel of the environment. An environment created by a shared purpose, through great people working to a set of non-negotiable values, and all on a journey to constantly develop their skills, develop their knowledge, and provide the best possible levels of service to all their clients.

Purpose, People and Behaviours - "The Howorth Way".

In the words of Jim Collins "Leaders don't have jobs, they have responsibilities" and everyone at Howorth shares that sense of responsibility. Why? Because we all know that everything we do matters, every one of our family, every one of our friends, each and every one of us could one day need the services that Howorth helps to provide.

Links to contact Jim:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jim-liptrot-69871218

Email: jim.liptrot@howorthgroup.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrismyers/2018/02/23/how-to-find-your-ikigai-and-transform-your-outlook-on-life-and-business/?sh=313f814c2ed4

A Female Perspective in celebration of International Women’s Day – Charlotte Wilson

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Charlotte is someone who strongly believes in valuing the contributions of individuals and leading by example. She is an experienced leader who puts people first and and in this conversation she explores the female perspective on employee experience and creating a culture for women to succeed. Who better to inspire others for International Women's Day?!

We cover a lot of ground, including:

What makes our experience feel meaningful
What can get in the way of employee experience being positive
The unique contribution of women, and for women at work
The need for diversity
Planning for an exceptional employee experience
Examples of good, and not-so-good practice

Links to resources:

https://jane-frankland.com/

The Power of Perception by Shawn Andrews: The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide: Amazon.co.uk: Andrews Ed.D. M.B.A., Shawn: 9781683505792: Books

More about Charlotte:

Charlotte is an experienced Sales Director that has managed teams across wide geographies ranging from 3 people to 300 people. She is a highly people and culture centric leader who strongly believes that nurturing happy teams creates high levels of fiscal success and happy customers. Charlotte has a large blended family, works as a NED and Data protection Trustee for a small charity and sits on a committee for University of Westminster and in her career has largely focused on technology and cyber security companies.

Links to contact Charlotte

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-wilson-2056673a/

Email: charwils16@gmail.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

I wish I had a real job (& wasn’t unemployable)! – with Ali Hollest

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I’m joined by Ali Hollest of TriSwimCoach in this episode who I think would be more at home having this conversation on a mountain than over a mic!

I recently connected with Ali after hearing his story about how his mental health impacted on his journey and how he pushed himself to undertake some awesome physical challenges. Mental wellbeing is something I spend a lot of my time exploring, supporting and developing with individuals and organisations, and I love nothing more than getting involved in an adventure outdoors, so I was looking forward to this conversation!

I was struck by a comment Ali made when we last met about how he considers himself unemployable. It may have been an off-the-cuff comment but it really resonated with what this podcast is about. We covered a number of points, including:

What employee experience means to Ali
How businesses can learn from Ali's approach to using physical activity as the main driver for wellbeing, happiness and performance in every aspect of people's lives
What it is that Ali wants from work life that made him suggest he is unemployable
The extent to which employers should be taking the needs and wants of individuals into consideration so that people can work in a way that feels like a positive experience
How companies can go about meeting such a wide range of unique needs and wants

More about Ali:

Ali is passionate about coaching people to become the best versions of themselves in all aspects of life, creating a holistic and rounded approach to life and wellbeing. His colourful life journey has given him great empathy to understand people for who they really are and fuels his desire to help individuals and businesses thrive. Ali balances his work load to ensure that he is the best Dad he can be to his three young children. His other loves are all things mountains and trail running.

Links to contact Ali:

Email: ali@triswimcoaching.com

Website: www.triswimcoaching.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ali.hollest

Instagram: www.instagram.com/snowdon6wayschallenge

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Starting from scratch: Help! – with Mike Quinnell

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I’m pleased to be speaking with Mike Quinnell, Commercial manager at Fugro in this episode. I have known Mike for a few years and have always been impressed by his commitment & determination to not only be his best at work but also to enable others around him to thrive.

Mike is an advocate of putting staff development and wellbeing at the top of his focus list to allow staff to perform to the best of their abilities, to develop themselves and to progress their careers. He recently took on the exciting challenge of creating a new team, and with the experience of his employees very much the centre of his agenda, I was very much looking forward to having this conversation!

The high notes we touch on along the way are:

Why employee experience is important for us to get right
How to convince our peers that this needs to be high on the agenda
How we go about building a team culture centred around employee experience
What employee experience means to me and my team?
How we know if we’re getting it right
How we look after ourselves in the process of developing this important aspect so that we meet the needs of others whilst also looking after ourselves

More about Mike

Michael Quinnell is a senior manager in an industry-leading meteorological and oceanographic (metocean) company. He first qualified in Ocean Sciences, later obtaining a post-graduate qualification in Coastal Engineering. Starting as a marine geophysicist surveying the seabed for cable routes, Mike progressed to an oceanographer position undertaking data analysis and site work, before moving into project and operations management. He then transferred to Singapore to start a new division where he progressed to regional director responsible for South East Asia region. He is presently Commercial Team Manager for Europe and Africa based in the UK.

Over a 24 year career Michael has been based in the UK, Norway, France and Singapore, and has supported Clients with projects in over 50 countries, yet he still believes that ‘every day is a school day’ as he continues to develop himself and his team.

Links to contact Mike

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-quinnell-80169922

Email: michaelquinnell@hotmail.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Empowering Individuals to become a Collective Powerhouse – with Anna Hamzah

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I'm really excited to be joined by Anna Hamzah, VP of Product at Venture Harbour. She is so energetic and completely committed to creating the right experience for employees. The results are evident as the company continues to go from strength to strength.

Venture Harbour really does things well which was why in 2021 I invited them to provide a case study, as part of my role on the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Steering Group for mental health. Their story, along with other great examples from across the Thames Valley, created the resource ‘Building a Positive Mental Wellbeing Culture’, that went live in December.

In our conversation we covered a lot of ground and there are some useful references below to expand on some of these ideas, including:

What we really mean by the term ‘employee experience’
The challenge of misconceptions about tech people
The challenge of rapid change
Demonstrating impact
Gender differences
Training and development
Empowerment
Closing the loop
The necessity for calm time
The key ingredients that make a difference

More about Anna:

Anna is the VP of Product at Venture Harbour, a venture studio based in the UK. She has over 15 years of experience leading teams and developing technology in companies ranging from ground-up start ups to giant multinational corporations; launching and growing products on the cutting edge of marketing, advertising, research and creative technology. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the technology space; mentoring others on their path to success in a traditionally un-diverse space. When not obsessing about customer and team experience, she is also an accomplished fiction writer and couture seamstress.

Resources:

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group: www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

Closing the loop: From workshop to action: From Workshop to Application - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Retrospective Process: Project Retrospectives: Looking Back to Look Ahead | by Karl Wiegers | The Startup | Medium & How to Run an Agile Retrospective Meeting with Examples (atlassian.com)

Anna's contact details:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-hamzah

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Employee Experience – just another buzz word? – with Andrew Whiteaker

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today I’m joined by Andy Whiteaker, Partner at Boyes Turner & Chair of Reading Abbey Quarter Business Improvement District.

I first met Andy at the launch of the ‘Better You Better Business’ event in Reading in October last year, where he provided the keynote speech. I was really struck by the similarity in our messaging about the importance of employers creating the right work climate for people to want to be part of.

So you he was an obvious choice to join today’s conversation about employee experience and whether it is just another buzz word.

We covered a range of points including:

The high notes we covered along the way are:

What we really mean by the term ‘employee experience’
How we know if companies are getting it right
How we make employee experience something that is tangible rather than just talk
The difference getting employee experience right makes for companies
How to get leaders on board with this area of development when they don’t see the value (yet) or don’t know where to start

More about Andy:

Andy advises clients in a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including human resources support, providing employment support for mergers, acquisitions, and disposals, employment tribunal litigation and negotiating and drafting executive service contracts.

His clients include national and multination organisations, and he provides international support for clients with cross-jurisdictional issues through Boyes Turner’s network of partner law firms.

Andy focuses on providing practical advice, seeking to identify pragmatic and commercial solutions to his clients’ needs.

Andy is recognised as a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500.

Areas of expertise

•Employment tribunal litigation

•Executive service contracts

•HR support

•Industrial relations

•Mergers, acquisitions, and disposals

•HR Training

Links to contact Andy

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-whiteaker-017a441a

Email: awhiteaker@boyesturner.com

Website: boyesturner.com

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

Are leaders all they’re cracked up to be? – with Stuart Neilson

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Stuart Neilson who is a business leader and MD of mark’ennovy UK & Nordiks joins me in this episode. He has extensive knowledge and skills about authentic leadership and the impact on organisational culture. He has worked with the FutureWork Forum, and his experience and very active interest in leadership makes this a must-listen. We touch on a lot, including:

What 'employee experience' means including generational differences
The people or business who have been instrumental in Stuart's employee experience journey
The role, influence and impact of leadership on employee experience
The process towards achieving a positive employee experience
The connection between employee experience that should inform the future of work

Resources:

Authentic and respectful leadership - FutureWork Forum FutureWork Forum: Home - FutureWork Forum FutureWork Forum: The Working World of 2030, Stuart Neilson https://futureworkforum.com/the-working-world-of-2030-a-better-place/ FutureWork Forum: A Human Approach to Leadership, Mike Johnson & Eric Cornuel A Human Approach to Leadership - FutureWork Forum Nine Lies about Work, Marcus Buckingham & Ashley Goodall Stephen Covey e.g. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - A Free Book Summary from Soundview A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, Eckhart Tolle Simon Sinek e.g. simon sinek become a student of leadership - Bing video

Additional book recommendations from Stuart:

The Future Leader: 9 Skills and Mindsets to Succeed in the Next Decade, Jacob Morgan Never Going Back: How Covid-19 changed work for good, Mark Thomas & Peter Thomson

More about Stuart:

Stuart is a highly enthusiastic and results orientated experienced international leader with broad experience across a variety of industries spanning from FMCG to Medical Devices. He has worked for a number of global organisations including Cadbury Schweppes , Boots Healthcare International , Novartis and The Sivantos Group (formerly Siemens Hearing). More recently Stuart has supported a number of start-ups and used his talents to turnaround underperforming organisations. A strong believer in results through people Stuart is passionate about the importance of authentic and respectful leadership and how transformational leadership drives employee engagement and optimum business performance. As an international leader he has experience of managing large global teams and has a successful track record of leading multiple Country Turnarounds. In his role as Vice President of The Sivantos Hearing Group he was based out of Munich with responsibility for business in over 70 countries playing a key leadership role as part of a high performing Management Board. Stuart graduated in Business Studies at Leeds University before embarking on a commercial career. He built his career mainly through the Sales function where he rose through multiple levels from Sales Representative with Cadbury Schweppes to Sales Director at Novartis . His success in sales comes from a belief that strong customer collaboration comes from how as a supplier you can truly ‘add value’ and thinking ‘out of the box’. In his role of UK Managing Director with the Sonova Hearing Group he applied a transformational approach to leadership fully embracing talent management , leadership development , agile working , flexible benefits and embracing diversity .As a consequence of the high performance , the approach became a global leadership model for the group and led to 4 of his management team becoming Managing Directors in their own right. Stuart was trained in Strategy Development at Ashridge Business School and more recently joined The Future Work Forum as a key contributor and one of twenty five global Partners .

Stuart's contact details:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stuartneilson1

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk Sign up for Lisa's Monthly Bulletin: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub Email: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

It started in the kitchen – with Dave Greenaway

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Like many great things, good ideas emerge during conversation over a cuppa. In my case, the water cooler scenario became my kitchen and my comrade in conversation was Dave of Dave Greenaway Coaching.

In this inaugural episode, we kickstart the conversation about employee experience by exploring my interest in the topic and my role within it. I explain my motivation, and begin to unpick some of the importance of getting the experience right.

This is me saying it how it is. And I think it sets the foundation well for the authentic discussions to come over future episodes about what life is really like and how we could be thinking about things differently.

Contact details for Dave Greenaway:

LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/davegreenaway

Website : www.davidgreenaway.co.uk

Contact details for Lisa LLoyd: