Exploring how humans connect and get stuff done together, with Dan Hammond and Pia Lee from Squadify. We need groups of humans to help navigate the world of opportunities and challenges, but we don't always work together effectively. This podcast tackles questions such as "What makes a rockstar team?" "How can we work from anywhere?" "What part does connection play in today's world?" You'll also hear the thoughts and views of those who are running and leading teams across the world.
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Is it time to become a “Business Bastard”?
47:43
47:43
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47:43Kindness and productivity are not opposing forces in business. In fact, kindness can be a powerful driver of success when treated as a practical approach rather than just a nice-to-have value. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, and focusing on collaboration rather than competition, can transform how teams work together. Graha…
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Traditional ways of working are failing in today's complex world, with global engagement levels dropping and productivity losses reaching $438 billion. Adopting business agility – not just its tools and processes, but its mindset shifts – helps organisations move beyond outdated approaches and create more effective ways of working. Joining Dan and …
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Why We Are Approaching Change All Wrong – And What to Do Instead
40:19
40:19
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40:19Most change initiatives fail because they focus solely on technical aspects like planning, roles, and measures, while neglecting the human element – particularly the need for people to understand why changes are happening and to feel heard throughout the process. Jeffrey Wetherhold is a behavioral scientist who’s built his career around organisatio…
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Spiritual intelligence in leadership goes far beyond simply posting mission statements on walls - it's about cultivating fundamental qualities like purpose, gratitude, humility and presence that create genuinely harmonious and productive workplaces. Research shows that leaders who embrace these qualities build teams with higher morale, greater comm…
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Remote Leadership: Game-Changer or Pipe Dream? with Kevin Eikenberry
42:35
42:35
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42:35Effective leadership remains fundamentally the same regardless of location. It's the context that changes, not the core principles. The key is to think “leadership first, location second". While the physical setting may vary, the essential aspects of human behaviour, interaction, and needs remain constant, making it crucial for leaders to maintain …
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Hacking Team Development: The Insider’s Playbook with Jennifer Dulski
44:12
44:12
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44:12Most managers are unprepared for their roles, with 82% having no management training at all. Effective team leadership needs structured, accessible tools to help managers build psychological safety, connection, and engagement with their teams. Jennifer Dulski is the founder and CEO of Rising Team, a software-guided interactive learning platform for…
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The Dark Side of Data: Avoiding Costly Pitfalls with Jenni McNeil
36:14
36:14
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36:14Engagement surveys and team data are tools for understanding and supporting teams, not targets to achieve or sticks to beat people with. Simply gathering data for the sake of a good score is counterproductive and potentially disengaging. This information should be used to genuinely understand team dynamics, spot trends, and identify areas where sup…
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Organising teams for fast flow with Matthew Skelton
54:04
54:04
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54:04Organisational effectiveness isn't just about making team members more productive, but properly structuring teams and understanding how they work together. Small teams with high trust can make decisions quickly and maintain better context of what they're building, while being mindful of the cognitive load placed on members. Matthew Skelton is the a…
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Can AI coach teams? with special guest ChatGPT
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31:04
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31:04AI technology has the potential to enhance team dynamics and human relationships… if used thoughtfully. In this episode, Dan and Pia explore how AI can help with team communication and collaboration, while raising questions about finding the right balance between AI assistance and maintaining genuine human connection. For this episode, Dan and Pia …
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Should women “lean in”? with Sheela Subramanian
35:27
35:27
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35:27Nearly 60% of women are worried about job losses due to AI, but only 22% are actively adopting it. This reflects a broader pattern of workplace inequality, where tech revolutions risk leaving women behind. The solution lies in leadership, embracing vulnerability and authenticity, focusing on short-term clarity, and not pretending to have all the an…
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Helping tech rockstars lead rockstar teams at Cisco with Rob Dinsmore
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37:41
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37:41Effective leadership in tech means crafting a collaborative culture where growth happens through real-world challenges and strong interpersonal connections – not individual technical accomplishments. Rob Dinsmore has an extensive background in leadership and team development, particularly in technical organisations like Cisco. He built a highly reg…
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Effective teaming requires intentional design and can’t be achieved simply by putting people together on a project. Teaming by Design emphasises the importance of embedding team effectiveness skills within the context of real work, rather than teaching it as a separate subject. This approach recognises that valuable teaming skills are often develop…
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Agile for business teams with Nebel Crowhurst
42:17
42:17
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42:17Agile isn’t just for software teams – its principles can be effectively applied to HR and other business teams, offering a pragmatic approach to improving workflow and efficiency. It goes beyond flexible working or nimble decision-making, representing a philosophy and set of principles for getting work done more effectively. Nebel Crowhurst is the …
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How to succeed in an assignment with Kevin Asher
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38:09
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38:09International assignments in business require careful preparation, adaptability, and a focus on making a positive impact rather than just “making your mark”. Success in foreign assignments often comes from reinforcing and amplifying existing strengths within an organisation, rather than attempting to overhaul everything. Kevin Asher is a leader, st…
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The engagement crisis and what to do about it with Juliet Owen
37:55
37:55
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37:55Employee engagement is in crisis, with staggeringly low levels of engagement across the workforce, particularly among younger employees. This lack of engagement is not only affecting workers' wellbeing, but also has significant economic impact, with an estimated $8.9 trillion lost annually in global GDP due to low engagement. This week's guest is J…
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How to lead teams asynchronously with Liam Martin
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50:16
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50:16It’s time for a new approach to teamwork: one that minimises distractions, reduces time-blocking communication, prioritises mental health, and promotes independent and efficient work. This management style can lead to more productive teams, with fewer managers and more individual contributors, with everyone focused on their core competencies. Liam …
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Being a specialist in a team with Ash Winter
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36:12
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36:12To bring specialists into teams with different skill sets takes good communication and a knowledge of the history of the team you’re integrating. Doing this well means everyone can point their skills at solving problems. Ash Winter is an experienced software tester who has a particular interest in how teams and organisations work. Ash has been a so…
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Rejoining the team after babies with Jessica Heagren
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42:14
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42:14Workplaces need to provide better support and flexibility to parents coming back from having a child. And more needs to be done to redress the imbalance of working mums vs working dads. Jessica Heagren is the founder of Careers After Babies, and an advocate for gender equality in the workplace, particularly for women coming back after maternity lea…
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The 5 things every team should do to be more effective with Professor Peter Hawkins
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32:28
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32:28Effective leadership means understanding the needs of all stakeholders, not just your team members. When teams broaden their thinking to their customer base, to the wider ecology, and even to future generations, they make more effective decisions. Professor Peter Hawkins has a lifetime of experience working on systemic team coaching, leadership dev…
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When your business partner has a stroke with Gillian Coutts and Jenny Steadman
47:31
47:31
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47:31Life-altering events can reveal the strength and resilience of the human spirit, highlight the value of a supportive network, and reveal the power of compassion and understanding. Both of this episode’s guests have had first-hand experience in this area. Returning to the podcast is Gillian Coutts, who suffered a stroke in 2022 and has been on a lon…
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Leadership lessons from the pitch and the sidelines with Patrick Skene
38:03
38:03
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38:03Sport is more than just a game. It serves as a unifying force, bringing people together across generations and cultures. It teaches us valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and resilience, and it helps build a sense of community and belonging. Patrick Skene is the Chief Creative Officer at Culture Pulse, where he engages multicultural commun…
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What isn’t your team telling you? with Jeff Wetzler
37:54
37:54
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37:54There’s a wealth of untapped wisdom and information within our teams, but too much goes unspoken. By choosing curiosity, making it safe for others to share, and creating opportunities to ask and listen, we can access these insights, enrich our understanding, and improve our decision-making. Jeff Wetzler is a human potential and learning expert with…
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Boost team empathy & joy in the span of a lunch break with Mette Oscar Pedersen
29:33
29:33
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29:33What can you bring into the workplace that can significantly strengthen team bonds, enhance individual self-expression, and contribute to a healthier work environment? Mette Oscar Pedersen is a facilitator who’s worked with communities, companies, and other groups to bring joy and connection to their work. In this episode, you’ll Learn how to incre…
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Speaking up in meetings with Betina Szkudlarek
41:59
41:59
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41:59People often don't speak up in meetings out of fear, a sense of futility, a lack of confidence, or because they just can't be bothered. But active participation and speaking up can significantly advance visibility and career prospects. So leaders and participants alike need to take responsibility for making meetings meaningful and encouraging open …
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Legislating for a safe workplace - can it work? with Ian Bennett
40:50
40:50
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40:50How much responsibility do leaders have for the psychological safety of their teams? Aren’t psychological hazards an HR issue? Recent changes in Australian law require employers to take steps to ensure not only the physical but also the psychological safety of their employees. This includes identifying and mitigating psychosocial hazards in the wor…
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Imposter syndrome and its effect on teams with Clem Pickering
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40:30
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40:30Imposter syndrome is a common psychological pattern many of us experience. It makes us doubt our achievements, or feel like we’re going to be exposed as a fraud. Imposter syndrome is usually only experienced by high performers, but there are techniques and mindset shifts that can help us, if not “cure” imposter syndrome, then at least manage it. Cl…
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The state of working from home with Jose Maria Barrero
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40:06
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40:06The shift to working from home during the pandemic has significantly altered the way businesses operate, with many finding a balance between in-person and remote work. This change seems to be persisting even as lockdowns end, suggesting a long-term shift in our approach to work. This week, Dan and Pia are joined by Jose Maria Barrero, an assistant …
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Transitioning to a senior leadership role with Iain Gauld
39:07
39:07
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39:07A successful transition to leadership calls for a significant shift in mindset. Not only do you need to enhance your existing skills, but also adopt new ones and let go of habits that may have earned you you success in the past. A transitioning leader understands the importance of team dynamics, makes space for collaboration, evolves their leadersh…
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Are you focusing on the right things? with Greg Radick and Tom McClelland
46:01
46:01
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46:01Salience (or what we choose to focus our attention on) has a big impact on our perceptions and actions within a group. Understanding this can help us reconsider what we’re ignoring or overlooking, which can lead to more innovative and inclusive team dynamics. This week, Dan and Pia are joined by Greg Radick and Tom McClelland, a professor and lectu…
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Yes, Chef! Lessons from the professional kitchen with Simon Zatyrka
37:37
37:37
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37:37Kitchens – like any professional environment – need effective leadership. This means staying calm, promoting clear communication, and creating a learning environment where team members feel valued and motivated. Professional kitchens run well are the epitome of the We Not Me philosophy. This week, Dan and Pia are joined by Simon Zatyrka, a former e…
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Keeping the peace when taking on a new leadership role with Jon Barnes
43:58
43:58
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43:58If you’re taking over as team leader, you need to have open and honest conversations about the change in dynamics. If you’ve previously enjoyed a friendly relationship and you’re transitioning from buddy to boss, or you’re filling someone else’s shoes, it’s time to show humility, honour the past, embrace an uncertain future, and accept feedback fro…
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How to resolve workplace conflict with Tania Waters
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45:45
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45:45Workplace conflicts can arise from the most unexpected things, and can have severe consequences. When conflicts arise, they need to be addressed quickly, with opportunities created for open communication and understanding. Through effective mediation and a curiosity-driven approach, conflicts between team members can be resolved, ruptures can be re…
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The four key drivers of peak team performance in 2024 with Juliet Hammond
36:00
36:00
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36:00Teams need to have a deep understanding of how to work together effectively. This means recognising the interdependencies among team members and working towards a common goal rather than operating individually. Teams also need to actively seek opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge with others. This helps them tap into collective expertis…
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How to get more from your team conversations with Chris Ertel
52:22
52:22
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52:22Team conversations are more effective when there’s a safe space for open and honest communication. By creating an environment of trust, where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, teams can have more productive and meaningful discussions. Building trust and promoting vulnerability are key factors in improving the quality o…
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Harnessing the power of silence with Bastian Overgaard
44:21
44:21
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44:21Silence can have a profound impact on our relationships and productivity. By incorporating moments of silence into our interactions and meetings, we can create a sense of focus, concentration, and psychological safety. Silence allows us to truly listen to each-other, deepen our understanding, and foster meaningful connections. It’s a powerful tool …
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Detoxifying masculinity with Richie Hardcore
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43:10
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43:10The world needs healthier models of masculinity. By incorporating diverse perspectives and acknowledging the impact of sociological, biological, and personal factors, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of masculinity. This can have a profound impact on the way teams work together. Richie Hardcore is well k…
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How to clear an innovation roadblock with Tony Morgan
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39:04
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39:04Teams that embrace challenges and are open to new ideas can develop better solutions and achieve greater success. Innovation is an iterative process that needs resilience and the ability to adapt to change, and students are learning the role of teamwork within innovation today. Tony Morgan is a professor at Leeds University Business School, within …
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Contracts for collaboration with Sally Guyer
40:24
40:24
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40:24Contracts are so often focused on preparing for the worst, rather than setting up successful relationships. Effective contracts focus on establishing strong relationships, good communication, and problem-solving. Leading with these principles allows contracts to evolve from being blunt legal instruments to valuable tools for promoting collaboration…
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Healing toxic workplaces with Glenn Akramoff
40:42
40:42
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40:42Toxic workplaces can have a devastating impact on individuals' mental health and wellbeing. Leaders need to create positive and supportive work environments where employees feel valued, heard, and safe. Building trust, fostering open communication, and addressing any signs of toxicity quickly are key to preventing the harmful effects of a toxic wor…
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Meet a psychologically safe, high-performing organisation with Lee Geary and Rebecca Pinkstone
53:45
53:45
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53:45Creating a psychologically safe and high-performing organisation means focusing on both performance and wellbeing. Organisations need to foster a culture of learning and development, building strong leadership capabilities, and prioritising psychological safety at all levels. By balancing the delivery of services and outcomes with the support and w…
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What non-technical teams can learn from developers with Felipe Tabares
48:38
48:38
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48:38While there are plenty of stereotypes around software developers, the industry has innovated when it comes to teamwork and project management. Whether it’s methodologies like Agile or Lean, or simply recognising the competitive landscape employers are faced with, non-technical teams can learn a lot from how developers work together to get stuff don…
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How evolution affects groups of animals, including humans with Alex Thornton
40:47
40:47
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40:47The study of animal behaviour and evolution can provide a surprising insight into our own human behaviour and societal structures. By observing and understanding how animals interact with one another, we can learn more about the factors that shape the way we live and work together. Alex Thornton is a Professor of cognitive evolution at Exeter Unive…
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Autonomy: striking the right balance with Jon Barnes
45:36
45:36
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45:36A workplace with autonomy isn’t a utopia where everyone does whatever they want. Autonomy is a journey towards balancing freedom and choice with responsibility and accountability. It needs leaders to facilitate and coaches, and means adopting tools and processes that enable self-regulation. Jon Barnes is a consultant who has devoted most of his pro…
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Putting differences aside to improve local democracy with Peter Macfadyen
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55:00
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55:00Local activism and community engagement can lead to significant changes in local politics, but such change doesn’t come easy. A paucity of community engagement, a serious lack of trust, the need for diversity – these and many other issues can become barriers to change. But this week’s guest, Peter Macfadyen, has proven that with perseverance, open …
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Psychological safety: how are teams doing? with Juliet Hammond
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35:02
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35:02Lots of teams are struggling when it comes to implementing psychological safety – particularly in areas like straight-talking, listening to each other, and challenger safety. Building psychological safety requires open and honest communication, a willingness to embrace conflict, and a shared understanding of how the team works together. Getting the…
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How LADBible became a force for inclusion with Ben Powell-Jones
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45:08
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45:08Working together as a team can help a brand successfully transition and mature. When we stand side-by-side with each-other, supporting each other's success and fostering a collaborative mindset, teams can achieve greater productivity and success. Ben Powell-Jones is the former creative director of LADBible and the co-founder of Strong Watch Studio.…
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Season 6 review: with a little help from AI! with Dan Hammond and Pia Lee
21:38
21:38
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21:38Embracing diversity, giving people autonomy, and working towards shared values with clarity – those are essential key ingredients for teams in 2023 and beyond. Those are among the insights Dan, Pia and their guests uncovered in season 6 of We Not Me. In this, the first episode of season 6, Squadify’s founding team are here to discuss what they lear…
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Agreeing to disagree with Matthew Bellringer
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36:42
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36:42Disagreements can quickly escalate into a fight for survival, triggering a limbic response in the brain that can lead to destructive behaviour. But none of us has privileged access to the truth. We all have different perspectives, and so by engaging with the unpredictability and uncertainty of our environment, we can get to a more precise, accurate…
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What Simon Sinek could learn about irony in teams with Richard Claydon
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51:35
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51:35There are plenty of leadership “gurus” who can simplify complex topics. But how often do we consider the accuracy of their statements? Lots has been written about the purpose movement, but there’s another approach: embracing the absurdity of our current situations, and holding up a mirror to them. Irony in teams can give us an interesting perspecti…
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Holding your values as you scale with Dan Hammond
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30:26
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30:26There comes a time when a startup moves to a scale-up, where small ideas take off and before you know it, you’ve got a hit on your hands. But with the highs come the responsibilities of leadership. In this episode, Dan shares his experience creating a successful music festival in his hometown of Ilkley, and offers valuable insights on how to make i…
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