Chapters
00:57 Exploring ‘Surrounded by Bad Bosses’
15:01 The Importance of Communication Styles
19:29 Leadership Dynamics and Trust
22:26 The Power of Admitting Uncertainty
25:27 Understanding Leadership and Management
29:30 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership
32:43 The Need for Purpose in Leadership
36:08 Cultural Expectations of Leadership
40:22 The Disconnect Between Expertise and Leadership
Summary
In this second part, the focus shifts to *Surrounded by Bad Bosses* and the everyday psychology of working with - and being - a boss. Thomas traces the path from his earlier books to a “two‑books‑in‑one” format that helps managers and employees understand each other’s realities. He argues most bad bosses aren’t malicious - they’re unaware - and makes the case that self‑awareness is the best predictor of leadership effectiveness because it unlocks people skills and clear communication. Using practical analogies (you need two points on the map to plan any journey), he explains why leaders must know their own pace and adapt up or down to meet others. The discussion covers trust, clarity, and accountability; why expertise doesn’t automatically translate into leadership; how to map a team’s colour mix to anticipate friction (Excel vs PowerPoint people); and why leaders must still lead - listening deeply without abdicating decisions. The hosts connect Thomas’s views to their 3 A’s (Awareness, Acceptance, Action), and the group explores creating conversations that seek causes over blame, so issues get solved rather than recycled.
Keywords
Thomas Erikson, Surrounded by Bad Bosses, leadership, management, trust, communication styles, team dynamics, self-awareness, purpose, clarity, servant leadership debate, mapping team styles, adaptation, psychological safety, expectations, accountability, expertise vs leadership
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thomas Erikson and His Work
02:42 The Concept Behind 'Surrounded by Idiots'
07:36 Understanding Personality Colours and Their Impact
12:15 Cultural Differences and Commonalities in Human Behaviour
18:07 Finding the Right Work Environment for Your Personality
23:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Communication
29:19 Navigating Workplace Relationships and Communication Styles
35:31 Understanding Different Management Styles
39:13 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership
40:15 The Evolution of Thomas Erikson's Work
45:28 Connecting with Audiences Through Social Media
Summary
We kick off Season 2 with a barnstormer of a podcast! It was so big we had to split it into two sections! Today is part 1, where Swedish behaviourist and bestselling author Thomas Erikson introduces *Surrounded by Idiots* and the colour-based interpretation of the DISC model. He explains why the provocative title works as a mirror for our own communication blind spots and why most people are blends of colours rather than single types. The conversation explores universal patterns he’s observed worldwide - despite cultural differences - and practical ways to adapt when you don’t yet know someone’s style (“go green”: talk less, listen more, ask open questions). Thomas contrasts natural style vs work style, warns that long-term over‑adaptation - especially across opposite colours (e.g., red at work, green at home) - can lead to stress and burnout, and encourages people to seek environments where they can thrive. He and the hosts discuss labels vs helpful language, clarity vs endless meetings, and why communication - not process - causes most workplace friction. Thomas shares early-career lessons from being a “lousy boss,” underscores personal responsibility in conflicts, and previews the expanded edition of *Surrounded by Idiots* with added material on motivations/drivers and answers to the most frequent reader questions, refined for a wider audience.
Keywords
Thomas Erikson, Surrounded by Idiots, personality colours, DISC colours, communication, listening, cultural differences, behaviourism, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, workplace fit, burnout risk, mentoring, adaptation, Finnish culture, clarity, expanded edition
Join hosts Ken and Debra Corey for an eye-opening conversation with Grace Judson – a leadership coach, former Fortune 500 executive (25+ years at EMC, Munich Re, HP), and author of The Five Deadly Shoulds of Office Politics. Grace shares how embracing leadership humility and vulnerability can transform your leadership mindset and team culture.
We delve into building a coaching culture where managers coach rather than command, fostering psychological safety so even quiet voices are heard, and empowering your people without falling into common traps. Grace discusses her “three resistance monsters” framework for effective change management, revealing why communicating the “why” of change (not just the how) is critical to gaining buy-in – echoing Simon Sinek’s emphasis on purpose. She also tackles trust and empowerment: why trust is the foundation of any great team, how leaders can rebuild trust after missteps, and how true empowerment involves guidance and clarity (not just tossing people in the deep end). Grace candidly challenges conventional wisdom on office politics and the “deadly shoulds,” showing how to navigate workplace dynamics with authenticity and courage.
This episode is packed with real-life stories – from Ken’s own lesson in humility to wisdom from thought leaders like Alan Alda (on listening), Brené Brown (on vulnerability), and Grace Hopper (on leading vs managing). Grace even touches on her OHIMA 2024 keynote on the emotional, people-centric side of change leadership, underscoring the human heart of successful change.
Tune in for a masterclass on leading with empathy, clarity, and courage – perfect for senior HR professionals, seasoned executives, and anyone aspiring to lead positive change. Don’t forget to subscribe to Corey-osity Unleashed, leave a review, follow us on LinkedIn, and visit https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashed for more insights and episodes.
Keywords:
#LeadershipHumility #CoachingCulture #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #LeadershipMindset #OfficePolitics #TeamDynamics #TrustAndEmpowerment #EmployeeEngagement #ChangeLeadership
In a world where workplace culture can make or break performance, Claude Silver is proving that heart-led leadership drives results. As the first-ever Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia – and a sought-after speaker on modern leadership – Claude has transformed traditional HR into a people-first experience. She’s now channeling her insights into an upcoming book, Be Yourself at Work, to help leaders build more authentic cultures. In this emotionally charged yet practical episode, Claude shares how infusing empathy, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection into business can ignite engagement and boost the bottom line.
Claude’s Journey & Vision: We explore her unconventional rise to the C-suite and how she partnered with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to build a vibrant, high-trust culture from the ground up. Claude discusses her philosophy of “bringing humanity to the workplace,” recounting powerful learning moments that shaped her approach. You’ll hear how she turned HR into a strategic People and Experience team, aligning talent development, employee well-being, and business outcomes.
Key Insights for HR Leaders: This conversation dives into the how-to for today’s future of work challenges – from hybrid work dynamics to strengthening engagement and inclusion. Claude breaks down why diversity and inclusion in hiring isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s smart business – and how creating a culture of belonging fuels innovation. We talk about building a coaching culture where continuous feedback and accountability accelerate growth. Claude emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how emotional intelligence bridges cross-cultural gaps and drives employee engagement.
Whether you’re an HR director reimagining your company culture or a manager striving to elevate team performance, Claude’s stories and strategies will resonate. She shows that when leaders show up with empathy, authenticity, and intentional support, employees thrive – and businesses do too.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review – your support helps more leaders find these insights.
🎧 Want more human-first leadership like this? Subscribe and listen to the full episode at StepItUpHR.com/Corey-osityUnleashed.
💡 Learn more about Claude’s approach at ClaudeSilver.com
👥 Connect with Claude on LinkedIn for daily leadership wisdom.
🚀 For behind-the-scenes extras, subscribe on [YouTube] and follow @StepItUpHR on LinkedIn.
Discovery Keywords/Hashtags:
#Leadership #FutureOfWork #EmployeeEngagement #CompanyCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #HR
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gary Ridge and His Philosophy
03:10 The Boldness of Leadership Titles
06:10 Awareness and Its Impact on Leadership
10:00 Building a People-Centric Culture
11:03 Non-Negotiables for Purpose-Driven Leadership
17:12 The Shift from Manager to Coach
22:00 Embracing the Coach Mindset
23:26 Servant Leadership: Balancing Heart and Head
25:44 Values-Driven Leadership
27:39 Engagement and Disengagement in the Workplace
30:14 Proving the Value of Culture
32:30 Learning from Failure
34:20 The Power of Values
40:07 Authenticity in Leadership
43:28 The Importance of Continuous Learning
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Gary Ridge, CEO of WD-40, shares his insights on leadership, culture, and the importance of creating a people-centric workplace. He discusses his book, 'Any Dumbass Can Do It,' emphasizing that effective leadership is about fostering trust, awareness, and psychological safety. Ridge highlights the shift from traditional management to coaching, the significance of values in decision-making, and the need for authenticity in leadership. He encourages leaders to embrace their role in helping others succeed and to recognize that culture is built over time, not through quick fixes.
Keywords
leadership, culture, coaching, awareness, values, servant leadership, engagement, workplace, trust, psychological safety
More Information
Amy Edmundson, "The Right Kind of Wrong"
www.thelearningmoment.net -> Quiz
Garry Ridge on linkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/)
School of Dumbassery
(https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14633002/)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Roland Butcher
01:41 Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
04:04 Breaking Barriers in Cricket
06:05 Understanding the Significance of Breaking Barriers
09:11 Transition from Player to Coach
12:54 The Challenges of Burnout in Sports
16:06 Coaching Philosophy and Breaking Norms
21:21 Influential Mentors and Leadership Lessons
27:14 Empowerment in Leadership
29:10 The Impact of Leadership Stability
32:51 The Art of Feedback
36:03 Adapting to Change in Cricket and Leadership
42:15 Motivation: Navigating Good and Bad Days
Contact
You can buy Roland's book here: https://www.rolandbutcher.co.uk
You can reach Roland here:
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Roland Butcher shares his remarkable journey as the first black cricketer to play for England, discussing his early life in Barbados, the challenges he faced in breaking barriers within the sport, and his transition from player to coach. He reflects on the significance of his achievements, the impact of burnout in sports, and his coaching philosophy that emphasizes empowerment and individuality. Butcher also highlights the importance of mentorship and leadership in both sports and business, drawing parallels between the two worlds. In this conversation, Roland Butcher shares insights on leadership, empowerment, and the importance of feedback in both sports and business. He discusses the impact of leadership stability on team performance, the necessity of adapting to changes in the game of cricket, and the challenges of motivating players and employees. Butcher emphasizes the significance of timing in giving feedback and the need for leaders to support their teams through good and bad days.
Keywords
Roland Butcher, cricket, breaking barriers, coaching, leadership, sports history, autobiography, mental health, burnout, empowerment, leadership, empowerment, feedback, cricket, motivation, team dynamics, coaching, change management, performance, strategy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Purpose-Driven Leadership
02:14 Inspiration Behind 'Force for Good'
05:03 Understanding 'Force for Good' in Leadership
09:05 Defining Purpose-Driven Leadership
12:14 The Evolving Landscape of Leadership
17:48 Framework for Purpose-Driven Leadership
22:01 Types of Purpose-Driven Leaders
24:13 Understanding Leadership Personas
28:09 The Challenge of Purpose in Leadership
32:50 Building Habits for Purpose-Driven Leadership
36:29 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership
39:51 Balancing Profit and Purpose in Business
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Dr. John Blakey discusses his new book 'Force for Good' and the concept of purpose-driven leadership. He shares insights on the importance of leaders being a force for good in today's challenging environment, the inspiration behind his book, and the frameworks he provides to help leaders thrive. The discussion also covers the evolving expectations of leaders, the significance of intrinsic values, and the different types of purpose-driven leaders. In this conversation, John Blakey discusses the dynamics of leadership, focusing on the three personas that can influence leaders' effectiveness: the martyr, the zealot, and the Pied Piper. He emphasises the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in leadership roles. The discussion also delves into the challenges of translating purpose into actionable practices within organisations, highlighting the need for discipline and habit formation. John shares insights on storytelling as a powerful tool for inspiring change and addresses the balance between profit and purpose in business, supported by credible research. The conversation concludes with a call to action for leaders to recognise their potential for good and the impact of their choices.
Keywords
purpose-driven leadership, Force for Good, executive coaching, leadership development, resilience, B Corp, intrinsic values, leadership personas, motivation, followership, leadership, purpose, habits, storytelling, profit, personas, change management, leadership development, organizational culture, personal values
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered Leadership
01:57 Kul Mahay's Journey from Policing to Leadership
08:38 Defining Human-Centered Leadership
12:28 Balancing Human-Centered Leadership with Business Goals
17:02 The Importance of Leadership Courage
23:04 Involving Employees in Decision-Making
27:09 The Shift from Traditional to Modern Leadership
27:44 Human-Centered Leadership and DEI
34:52 The Importance of Individuality in Leadership
39:45 Challenges of Human-Centered Leadership
48:05 Building Trust in Organizations
Summary
In this episode of Curiosity Unleashed, Debra and Ken engage with Kul Mahay to explore the concept of human-centered leadership. Kul shares his journey from a police officer to a leadership consultant, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and building trust within organizations. The conversation delves into the definition of human-centered leadership, the balance between human aspects and business goals, and the necessity of involving employees in decision-making processes. Kul highlights the courage required from leaders to embrace vulnerability and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. In this conversation, Kul Mahay discusses the principles of human-centered leadership, emphasizing its importance in today's organizational culture. He critiques the traditional views on DEI, arguing that true inclusion goes beyond mere representation and requires a focus on individuality and trust. The discussion highlights the challenges leaders face in adopting a human-centered approach and the necessity of building trust within teams to foster a positive work environment.
Keywords
human-centered leadership, emotional intelligence, leadership courage, organizational culture, employee engagement, trust in leadership, innovation, decision-making, leadership styles, transformation, human-centered leadership, DEI, soft skills, individuality, trust, leadership challenges, employee engagement, organizational culture, diversity, equity
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ruth Wooderson's Journey
02:53 Breaking Barriers for Women in Leadership
06:10 The Loneliness of Leadership
08:45 Authenticity in Leadership
11:49 Building Trust and Team Dynamics
15:09 Navigating Post-COVID Work Environments
23:12 The Purpose of Office Return
27:01 Trust and Flexibility in the Workplace
29:37 Personal Growth and Authenticity
35:20 The Human Side of Leadership
38:57 AI: A Tool, Not a Solution
42:12 Love Letters: A Unique Leadership Approach
Summary
In this conversation, Ruth Wooderson shares her remarkable journey from a part-time employee to the Chief Information Officer at Santander. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the loneliness that often accompanies leadership positions. Ruth emphasizes the need for trust and open communication within teams, and she reflects on the changes in work dynamics post-COVID, advocating for a balance between flexibility and accountability in the workplace. In this conversation, Ruth discusses the evolving nature of work, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the office and the need for trust and flexibility in workplace policies. She reflects on her personal growth journey, advocating for authenticity in leadership and the significance of embracing one's true self. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in leadership, highlighting it as a tool rather than a solution, and concludes with Ruth's unique approach to communication through 'love letters' to her team, fostering engagement and connection.
Keywords
leadership, women in tech, authenticity, career journey, trust, team dynamics, post-COVID work, barriers for women, resilience, career progression, office return, workplace flexibility, leadership, personal growth, AI in leadership, employee engagement, human connection, authenticity, trust in teams, communication
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development
02:04 Lee Woolley's Journey in Leadership
08:19 Generational Changes in Leadership
14:03 The Importance of Trust in Leadership
17:27 Integrating Soft Skills into Leadership Development
22:12 Challenging Traditional HR Practices
24:12 Transforming Performance Reviews
25:44 The Pitfalls of Leadership Development
30:07 Embedding Change in Leadership Practices
36:19 The Value of Learning and Development
41:22 Communicating the ROI of L&D
43:35 Key Takeaways for Effective Leadership Development
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Lee Woolley shares his extensive experience in leadership development, particularly within the hospitality industry. He discusses the evolution of leadership styles across generations, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and trust in modern leadership. Lee also highlights the need for integrating soft skills into leadership training and challenges traditional HR practices, advocating for a more dynamic and responsive approach to employee development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of leadership development, performance reviews, and the importance of learning and development (L&D) in organizations. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional annual reviews, the necessity of embedding change in leadership practices, and the critical role of effective communication in demonstrating the ROI of L&D initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to leadership training, the significance of understanding employee needs, and the value of fostering a culture that embraces learning and innovation.
Keywords
Leadership development, generational differences, trust, soft skills, HR practices, emotional intelligence, servant leadership, career pathways, hospitality industry, learning and development, leadership development, performance reviews, learning and development, corporate culture, employee engagement, training effectiveness, change management, organizational success, ROI of L&D, leadership strategies
"I want to stop this Monday to Friday dying."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Kelly's Journey
10:56 Understanding Burnout: Definitions and Symptoms
19:58 Recognizing Burnout in Yourself and Supporting Others
24:43 Understanding Moral Injury in the Workplace
30:49 The Importance of Psychological Safety
35:05 The Role of Leaders in Preventing Burnout
38:35 The Cost of Burnout on Organizations
42:31 Practical Steps to Combat Burnout
Summary
In this conversation, Kelly Swingler, a burn-out expert, shares her personal journey with burnout and her mission to eradicate it from the workplace. She discusses the symptoms and definitions of burnout, emphasizing its seriousness and the need for organizations to take responsibility. Kelly also highlights the importance of recognizing burnout in oneself and others, and the role of leaders in supporting their teams to prevent it. In this conversation, Kelly Swingler discusses the critical issues surrounding burnout in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, the role of leaders, and the need for individuals to establish boundaries. She highlights the concept of moral injury and its impact on employee well-being, while also addressing the significant costs of burnout on organizations. Practical steps for combating burnout are provided, underscoring the necessity of understanding one's sense of self and the importance of prevention over cure.
Keywords
Burnout, workplace wellness, mental health, HR, leadership, stress management, well-being, coaching, organizational change, employee support, burnout, workplace wellness, psychological safety, leadership, moral injury, employee well-being, organizational culture, high performers, stress management, mental health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Joe Wright and her Mission
04:20 The Journey to Writing 'No More Sh*t Managers'
12:11 Challenging the Status Quo in Coaching and Leadership
18:22 The Dichotomy of Coaching Culture
20:46 Investing in People and Culture
23:42 Building Trust Through Coaching
26:46 The Seven Steps to a Coaching Culture
32:27 Implementing the Seven Steps
36:51 Self-Awareness as a Foundation for Coaching
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Jo Wright, co-founder of Coaching Culture and author of No More Sh*t Managers, shares her insights on the importance of coaching in leadership. She discusses the journey of writing her book, the challenges of changing perceptions about coaching, and the need for better conversations within organisations. Jo emphasises that coaching is not just for a select few but should be integrated into everyday leadership practices to foster trust and build high-performing teams.
She also explores the importance of establishing a coaching culture within organisations, highlighting the need for investment in people and the tangible benefits of fostering a supportive environment. The discussion covers the dichotomy between individual and corporate behaviours, the significance of building trust, and the seven steps to creating a coaching culture. Jo underscores the necessity of self-awareness as a foundational skill for effective coaching and leadership.
Keywords
coaching culture, leadership, Joe Wright, No More Sh*t Managers, transformational conversations, high performing teams, trust, communication, coaching conversations, bad bosses, coaching culture, employee engagement, organizational change, leadership development, self-awareness, trust building, coaching skills, cultural strategy, performance management, feedback
Corey-osity Unleashed is officially in motion! We’ve just uploaded our podcast intro, giving you a sneak peek at what’s to come.
Get ready for bold conversations, fresh perspectives, and game-changing insights from industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors who challenge the status quo. From leadership to culture shifts (and maybe even a few wild stories along the way), we’re here to spark curiosity and shake things up.
Stay tuned—our first full episode drops Friday at 9:00 AM with the incredible Jo Wright! You won’t want to miss it.
🔔 Subscribe now and be the first to listen!
