In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward engages with Dr. Jeanne Hardacre to explore the complexities of workplace culture, particularly focusing on the concept of the 'culture trap.'
They discuss how well-intentioned individuals can inadvertently contribute to toxic work environments and the emotional dynamics at play. Dr. Hardacre introduces her H-U-M-A-N framework as a practical approach to transforming workplace relationships and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their contributions to workplace dynamics.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Culture Trap
04:12 Understanding the Culture Trap
12:24 Escaping the Culture Trap
17:29 The H-U-M-A-N Framework
24:32 Real-World Applications and Outcome
Links to explore this topic more:
AI is no longer sitting on the sidelines of work. It’s becoming part of the team.
In this episode, Lee Ward speaks with Atreya Chaganty, CEO of Quantanite, about how AI is reshaping the workplace and why the real opportunity lies in bringing humans and AI together, not pitting them against each other.
They discuss:
Why trust in AI (and trust in each other) matters
What changes when organisations see AI as a collaborator, not just a tool
How leaders can rethink “efficiency” and start imagining new possibilities
If you’re curious about what it takes to integrate AI into your team and what it means for the human side of work this conversation is for you.
Performance management: two words that often trigger dread.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way?
In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Irial O’Farrell - leadership expert, author, and organisational development consultant - to explore how performance management can evolve into something far more meaningful andmotivating.
Together, they explore:
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone who wants to make work better, this episode offers a fresh, actionable perspective.
Check out Irial’s work:
In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by David Hodges - also known as The People Geek - to explore a concept that could fundamentally shift how we think about leadership, learning, and behaviour at work: ecological psychology.
David explains why behaviour isn’t just about the person - it’s about the task they’re doing and the environment they’re doing it in.
This perspective offers a powerful new lens for leadership development, team dynamics, and behaviour change.
We discuss:
And there is even a chat about how the films Inside Out and The Terminator both help explain it all!
This episode is thought-provoking, practical, and might justchange the way you lead.
Connect with David:
The People Geek Blog on Substack - https://substack.com/@peoplegeekakadavehodgesDavid Hodges on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hodges-217b8b4/
The Mental Health Conversation Every Workplace Needs
In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by Tom Oxley from Bamboo Mental Health to explore how organisations can better support mental health at work.
Drawing from his own lived experience and years of working with businesses, Tom shares what it really takes to move beyond surface-level support and get to the root of what people need.
Tune in to discover:
Follow and connect with Tom and his work:
Bamboo Health: Bamboo Mental Health | Workplace Mental Health Consultants
LinkedIn Profile: Tom Oxley | LinkedIn
Tom’s Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/G0XUimJbz44?si=nm JO2YG9FrGzrON
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined by Fraser Duncumb from Wotter - a company on a mission to build a world where everyone loves work.
Together, they explore what employee engagement really means, why it’s critical for organisational success, and how it goes far beyond annual surveys or HR-led initiatives.
Fraser shares insights into Wotter’s bold vision, the power of real-time employee feedback, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel genuinely connected and excited to contribute.
Plus, he delivers a stirring call to action for anyone looking to build a better workplace.
Whether you’re a leader, a people professional, or just someone who cares about making work better, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
Tune in to discover:
To connect with Fraser or find out more Wotter and their work:
What really defines a workplace culture?
In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Sarah McLellan from Make It Human to explore why culture isn’t about mission statements or team-building days – it’s about the everyday behaviours that shape how people feel and work together.
Together, they explore:
Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or just curious about how to build a better workplace, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what it really means to "make it human."
Sarah McLellan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmclellan/
Book: Make It Human: A vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Human-happier-healthier-workplaces/dp/1785908758
Make it Human website https://www.make-it-human.com/
Meetings: we’re all in them, but are they really working?
In this episode of Work Reimagined, I’m joined by Dr Carrie Goucher - a systems engineering expert and founder of Fewer, Faster, Bolder. With over 20 years of experience driving culture change at organisations like the NHS, BBC Worldwide, BP, and Pfizer, Carrie is on a mission to reimagine how we meet and collaborate.
We explore why traditional meetings are stuck in the past, why agendas aren’t the silver bullet we’ve been led to believe, and how rethinking meetings could unlock a huge white space for organisational improvement. Carrie shares practical steps for individuals and leaders to make meetings more focused, energising, and impactful.
If your calendar is filled with back-to-back meetings or you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to get any real work done, this episode is for you.
🔗 Explore Carrie’s Work:
Listen now to discover how transforming meetings could transform your work.
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined once again by one of our most popular guests – Joe Gray.
Back by demand and with a brand new book on the way, Joe returns to dive even deeper into one of the most talked-about workplace behaviours: proactivity.
Joe’s new book, Powering Workplace Proactivity, explores how we can move beyond simply expecting people to be more proactive and start creating the conditions that actually make it possible.
We explore why so many approaches to proactivity fall short, how environment shapes behaviour, and what leaders can do to unlock and sustain proactive habits in their teams.
Whether you're leading a team or trying to be more proactive yourself, this conversation is packed with practical insights, fresh thinking, and tools you can put into action.
🛠️ Explore Joe's work:
Joe’s website: poweringproactivity.com
Powering Workplace Proactivity (the book): poweringproactivity.com/book
The Proactivity Pulse tool: poweringproactivity.com/the-proactivity-pulse
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joinedby Dr Tammy Watchorn, the original Change Ninja.
Tammy shares her unique approach to navigating and leading change, drawing on her extensive experience as an author, educator, coach, and facilitator.
Discover the neuroscience behind why change can be challenging and learn practical strategies to overcome resistance.
Tammy's engaging storytelling and clear, actionable advice will leave you inspired to become a Change Ninja yourself.
Episode Highlights:
Special Offer: Tammy has generously offered our listeners a 20% discount on her APMG accredited '4 Day Ninja Challenge' course.
To claim your discount, get in touch with Tammy and mention the podcast.
About Dr Tammy Watchorn: Dr Tammy Watchorn is a self-confessed Change Ninja, dedicated to helping individuals and organisations master the art of change. Learn more about Tammy and her work at www.change-ninja.com.
Additional Resources:
Tune in to gain valuable insights and become a Change Ninja!
Is mindfulness in the workplace just a “nice to have” or is it essential?
In this episode of Work Reimagined, I sit down with Karen Atkinson, author and founder of Mindfulness UK, to explore why mindfulness is far more than a wellness trend. We discuss its real impact on focus, resilience, and workplace culture and how the best organisations are integrating it to support their people.
Karen shares insights from her work with businesses such as the NHS, HSBC and Barclays Bank as well as her journey in founding Mindfulness UK. Karen also explores practical steps for leaders and teams to bring mindfulness into their daily work. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking for ways to embed it in your organisation, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
Listen now to discover how mindfulness can reimagine the way we work.
Mindfulness UK website: Home- Mindfulness UK
Work Reimagined LinkedIn Page: WorkReimagined Podcast: Overview | LinkedIn
In this episode of the Work Reimagined Podcast, host Lee Ward is joined by Andy Elwood, a rescue helicopter veteran turned psychological safety expert, mental health first aider specialist, and keynote speaker.
Andy delves into the neuroscience behind psychological safety, offering practical advice for leaders to support their teams effectively. Discover how identifying the key driver for team collaboration can transform your workplace.
About Andy Elwood: Andy Elwood has a remarkablecareer history, from his time as a rescue helicopter veteran to becoming a leading expert in psychological safety and mental health first aid.
Learn more about Andy and his work at https://www.andyelwood.com/
Additional Resources:Connect with Andy: https://www.andyelwood.com
Take a free assessment of your brain's highest need: S.A.F.E.T.Y.™ Assessment General - ABL
Check out this recommended book from Andy: Psychological Safety By Dan Radecki | World of Books GB
Have a look at the tips for better sleep Andy references: Matt Walker: 6 tips for better sleep | TED Talk
Find out more about the N.E.T.S.™ framework: 4 simple things to keep your brain healthy - ABL
Find out more about Google's Project Aristotle: Google re:Work - Guides: Understand team effectiveness
Explore more insights about psychological safety from Dr Amy Edmondson: Psychological safety with Amy Edmondson - In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen | Podcast on Spotify
In this episode of the Work Reimagined podcast, host Lee Ward sits down with executive coach Rob Walker from RW Coaching to explore how you can take control of your career and find a job you truly love.
Rob shares his expert insights on reviewing what you want and need from work, giving you the best chance of finding a fulfilling role.
This episode kicks off a mini-series with Rob, where we'll dive into practical advice on improving your CV, leveraging LinkedIn, and acing interviews in future episodes.
Tune in to start your journey towards career satisfaction and success.
If you can't wait for the next episodes with Rob and want to continue the conversation with him, you can get in touch via any of the following links:
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined by Gwen Stirling Wilkie, a renowned expert in workplace strategy and culture. As organisations continue to grapple with the evolving landscape of work, Gwen shares her insights on the hotly debated topics of returning to the office and hybrid working.
Gwen discusses the challenges and opportunities, offering practical guidance for organisations to set their own effective strategies. She also explores how leaders can support their teams, even when faced with mandates they can't influence, and provides actionable advice to help navigate these complex situations.
Tune in to hear Gwen's expert advice on making hybrid work work for both employees and organisations, and learn how to create a better work experience for everyone.
Links:
Gwen's Books:
Don't miss this timely and insightful conversation on the changing landscape of work.
What really makes us happy at work? And are we thinking about it all wrong?
In this episode of Work Reimagined, I’m joined by James Carrier, co-founder of The World of Work Project and founder of PeopleShift, to explore what happiness at work really means. We discuss why it matters, how both individuals and organisations can approach it differently, and why traditional ideas about workplace happiness might be missing the mark.
James shares insights on what actually leads to happiness at work - beyond perks and quick fixes - and what we can do to create a better experience for ourselves and those around us. Whether you’re a leader looking to create a happier workplace or an employee seeking more joy at work, this conversation will leave you with fresh perspectives on creating a better work experience for everyone.
Tune in to find out why happiness at work isn’t what you think and how to get it right.
James Carrier LinkedIn - James
Carrier | LinkedIn
PeopleShift Newsletter - Sign-up Form 1: PeopleShift
Learn more about PERMA PERMA™
Theory of Well-Being and PERMA™ Workshops | Positive Psychology Center
BambooHR report - The
Great Gloom's Grip: Employee Happiness Plummets in Q2
In this timely episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward sits down with Organisational Psychologist and women in leadership expert Laura Howard to tackle the challenges women face in leadership. Together, they explore:
You can also discover more by checking out Laura's research in this area that she references in the show - Authenticity and woman’s leadership: a qualitative study of professional business services in the UK | Emerald Insight This is a conversation for everyone—not just women—about rethinking outdated norms and building a more inclusive future.
🎧 Tune in now to join the discussion and reimagine the way we lead.
In this episode of Work Reimagined, we’re joined by Rachel Setti, an organisational psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping leaders and organisations thrive through behaviour-focused interventions. Rachel shares her expertise and research into job crafting - a powerful concept that enables individuals to reshape their roles for greater satisfaction, impact, and wellbeing.
Together, we explore:
Rachel’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you approach your role and the roles of those around you. Whether you’re a leader, a manager, or someone looking to make a meaningful change in your work life, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
Have a question or want to connect with Rachel? You can reach her at rachel@thrivingedge.com.au.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes exploring how we can reimagine work together, and if you enjoyed this discussion, share it with someone who would benefit.
In this episode of Work Reimagined, I sit down with Jane Hannah to explore a topic that’s gaining momentum in workplaces worldwide: female health.
We discuss how the conversation around female health at work has evolved, why it’s not just a “women’s issue,” and what leaders and organisations can do to create more inclusive, supportive environments. Jane shares her wealth of experience, offering practical advice for tackling stigmas, supporting wellbeing, and driving meaningful change.
Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just curious about the impacts of workplace culture on health, this episode has insights you won’t want to miss.
If you want to find out more about Jane's work or connect with her you can visit her website at Healthier Happier You | Helping you find your happiness through mindset, motivation and movement
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward sits down with Joe Gray to explore workplace proactivity. What does it really mean? How can you measure it? And most importantly, how can leaders and teams create environments where it thrives?
Joe also introduces the insightful concept of stifled proactivity and the subtle ways certain leadership behaviours, even unintentional ones, can hold people back from doing their best work.
We cover practical strategies, useful insights, and real-world advice, all designed to help leaders and teams unlock potential and boost performance. Plus, Joe shares her thoughts on the one thing she’d change about work culture, the leadership myth she’d banish, and her one word for a thriving workplace in our quick-fire round.
Whether you’re a leader, manager, or just curious about how to create better workplaces, this episode is packed with value you can take straight back to your team.
🎧 Listen now for a conversation that could change the way you think about proactivity at work.
🎙️ Episode 2: Rethinking Change Management with Mark Green
In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward sits down with Mark Green, founder of Change Rebellions, to explore fresh approaches to navigating change in organisations.
Mark shares his perspective on why traditional change management often falls short and how leaders can embrace more adaptive, people-centred strategies. From understanding the emotional side of change to building trust, this conversation is packed with insights to help leaders guide their teams through transformation.
You’ll also gain actionable advice on equipping yourself and your organisation to handle uncertainty and create lasting change.
Whether you’re leading change, supporting your team, or rethinking how your organisation adapts, this episode will challenge your thinking and inspire new ideas.
🎧 Links and Resources:
Connect with Mark Green and learn more about his work at Change Rebellions.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Work Reimagined for more thought-provoking conversations that explore the future of work!