Can the secret to thriving at work be about being “good enough” rather than exceptional? In this episode, Helen Beedham sits down with award-winning journalist, careers counsellor, and Financial Times contributor Michael Skapinker to unravel why letting go of perfectionism could be transformational for managers and teams. Together, they explore the parallels between parenting and leadership, and offer practical advice for creating healthier, more empowered workplaces.
Helen and Michael chat about:
⭐️ Why the “good enough” approach borrowed from parenting psychology is not about doing the bare minimum, but creating a certain environment
⭐️ How family dynamics and early experiences shape the way we lead, and respond to leaders, at work
⭐️ The surprising loneliness and anxiety that managers often face, and what helps to lessen this
⭐️ The 2 must-have leadership tools that spark deeper conversations, surface challenges and help people feel genuinely heard.
⭐️ 3 things managers can put into practice that will help their teams flourish.
About Michael Skapinker:
Michael Skapinker is a careers counsellor, leadership educator and contributing editor at the Financial Times, where he was a reporter, senior editor and award-winning columnist for 34 years. He is the author of the book: "Inside the Leaders' Club: How top companies deal with pressing business issues".
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Follow Michael on LinkedIn
Order Michael’s book Inside the Leaders' Club: How top companies deal with pressing business issues.
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What does it really mean to be fearless at work and is it about confidence, risk-taking, privilege, or something deeper? In this episode, Helen Beedham sits down with globally recognised tech founder, author, CEO, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Soulaima Gourani, to rethink what it means to dance through life and career challenges, rather than simply climb ladders. Together, they unpack how setbacks, risk, and an authentic sense of self can fuel our most brilliant moves in business and beyond.
Helen and Soulaima explore:
⭐️ How to view life and career as a dance, not a ladder, and turn adversity into unconventional opportunities.
⭐️ The “8% Rule”, where Soulaima says yes to things when she understands just 8% of them, trusting her intuition and energy rather than waiting to be “fully ready.”
⭐️ How to keep imposter syndrome in check by reframing failures and openly sharing challenges.
⭐️ How to be guided by what truly energises you and using that when weighing up big decisions.
⭐️ How to create your own opportunities and networks instead of waiting for invitations, and to avoid measuring your own self-worth against others.
About Soulaima Gourani:
Soulaima Gourani dropped out of school in 7th grade, left home at 13, and grew up in foster care. Today, she’s a globally recognized tech entrepreneur, WEF Young Global Leader, Thinkers50 honoree, and former UN Women’s Advisor. With a background in SaaS sales and jobs at Maersk, Microsoft, and HP, she has since mentored TED Fellows, founded award-winning companies, and been named one of the Top 100 Women in Tech and "40 under 40."
An MBA from CBS and with executive education from Harvard, Wharton, Yale, and 10+ global institutions, Soulaima has lectured at HKS, CBS, LBS, HULT, and more. Currently nominated for Global Tech Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 and 100 Reputable Women of African Descent, she’s on a mission to eliminate barriers and radically improve people's quality of life.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Follow Soulaima on Linked In.
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How is AI impacting our jobs, careers, and sense of purpose at work? Who stands to win or lose as the pace of change accelerates? In this episode Helen Beedham chats to Rob Garlick, author, consultant, and former Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping opportunities, job quality, and the very skills we need to succeed, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned leader.
Together, Helen and Rob explore:
⭐️ How AI is already altering job availability, job quality, who’s most affected and why graduates and tech workers may be the ‘canaries in the coal mine’ for wider workplace shifts;
⭐️ The “conditional optimism” case: why AI’s full benefits might be realised only after navigating painful disruptions;
⭐️ The reality behind the hype around massive productivity gains and job substitution;
⭐️ How younger workers are both disadvantaged and empowered by AI, and why older workers may bring stability and ethical oversight through turbulent times;
⭐️ Practical strategies for pro-human leadership: upskilling and reskilling with purpose, leveraging AI for augmentation (not just substitution), and creating stability and agency at every career stage.
About Rob Garlick:
Rob is an Author, Speaker, Consultant and Coach focused on the implications of AI on work and leadership. His experience includes: 1000’s of meetings with C-suite and top investors globally; a front row seat for most innovation areas in the last 30 years, publishing over 60 papers on innovation topics; and over 100 talks delivered around the world in recent years on the Future of Work. Rob was promoted to Managing Director at Citibank in 2006, and managed, mentored and coached for 20+ years.
With over 30 years of experience in Investment Banking and Fund Management, Robs’ roles included: Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights; Head of Citi Research EMEA, leading the team’s (of c.200) rise in the Institutional Investor surveys, from: #7 to #1 in UK, #9 to #2 in Western European, and #7 to #1 globally; Global Product Head at Citi Research; Head of Citi's US Equity Sales desk; TMT sales; Fund Manager. Rob passed the AIIMR (Associate of the Institute of Investment Management & Research) as a prize-winner in Interpretation of Accounts & Corporate Finance. Among other qualifications, Rob holds a BSc (Econ) degree in Accounting and Management, an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change and is a qualified Executive Coach.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Follow Rob Garlick on Linked In here.
Loved this episode?
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What does “meaningful work” really mean, and why is it so crucial not just for personal fulfilment but for building healthier, higher-performing organisations? In this thought-provoking episode, Helen Beedham is joined by Professor Ying Zhou, Director of the Future of Work Research Centre at the University of Surrey and a leading expert in job quality and employee wellbeing to unpack the latest research, challenge some big myths, and share actionable insights for leaders, managers and anyone curious about cultivating meaning in their working life.
Together, Helen and Ying explore:
⭐️ What meaningful work truly is including both the “self-realisation” (personal fulfilment) and “social justification” (positive societal impact) perspectives and how these ideas differ;
⭐️ The latest UK data on how many of us actually find our work meaningful and where so-called “bullshit jobs” fit into the story;
⭐️ The real drivers of meaningful work, why it’s less about pay, and far more about intrinsic job quality;
⭐ ️ The emerging role of AI and technology: is automation making work more or less meaningful, and how much does it really matter so far?
⭐️ Simple, research-backed advice for managers to boost meaningfulness in their teams, whatever industry you’re in.
Tune in for an evidence-based yet practical episode pulling together robust research, real-world examples, and clear recommendations to help everyone from senior leaders to those just starting out build more meaningful, impactful working lives.
About Professor Ying Zhou
Ying Zhou is Professor of Human Resource Management and Director of the Future of Work Research Centre at the University of Surrey. Her research is focused on job quality, occupation, and employee well-being. She has won research grants from the Economic and Social Research Council, the UK Government, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (with a total of £4.3 million) to analyse job quality and employee well-being in the UK and Europe. Her research has been presented to the UK Cabinet Office, House of Commons, OECD, European Commission, European Council and cited in UK, French, Welsh and EU policy documents. Her research appears in leading academic journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management Journal, and the British Journal of Industrial Relations. Ying is a recipient of the Surrey Business School Impact Award and the Academy of Management Overall Best Paper Award. Ying received her MPhil and DPhil in Economic Sociology from Oxford University.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Follow Professor Ying Zhou on Linked In here.
FInd out more about the Future of Work Research Centre.
Access the 2024 UK Skills Employment Survey.
Loved this episode?
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What does happiness at work really mean, and how can leaders and managers practically build happier and higher performing teams? In this episode, Helen sits down with Nic Marks, renowned happiness statistician, founder of Friday Pulse, and author of the forthcoming book Happiness is a Serious Business, to debunk myths, share data-led insights, and lay out powerful yet simple actions for improving happiness at work.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ Why happiness isn’t a permanent state or a destination, and how both happiness and unhappiness play valuable, functional roles at work;
⭐️ The “danger” of so-so teams, why feeling just “okay” at work is more risky than temporary unhappiness, and why moving people from "meh" to truly happy is the biggest opportunity for most organisations;
⭐️ The powerful link between regular, weekly happiness check-ins and higher team performance, retention, and lower burnout;
⭐️ The severe underinvestment in people management skills (a staggering 80% of UK managers have never received formal people skills training), and why this is a huge missed opportunity;
⭐️ Simple but transformational weekly habits, like asking three key questions: What went well? Who can you thank? Where are we stuck?—and how these regular practices boost both morale and productivity.
Tune in for a lively, practical, and myth-busting conversation packed with data and tips you can use straight away to make work happier for yourself and those around you.
About Nic Marks - The Happiness Statistician
Nic Marks is a pioneering figure in the field of workplace wellbeing, often described as “The Happiness Statistician” for his unique blend of data and emotional insight. Originally trained in mathematics, statistics, and therapy, he founded the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation, where he developed influential frameworks such as the Happy Planet Index and the Five Ways to Wellbeing. His TED talk on happiness has been viewed millions of times, and he authored one of the first TEDBooks, A Happiness Manifesto.
As founder of Friday Pulse, Nic helps organisations measure and improve team happiness through science-led weekly feedback. His forthcoming book, Happiness is a Serious Business, explores why happy teams perform better—and how leaders can create the conditions for both people and organisations to thrive. He lives near Stonehenge with his wife and is happiest walking chalk paths, listening to music, or occasionally diving into a good dataset.
Links:
Connect with Nic on Nic on LinkedIn
Visit Nic’s website https://nicmarks.org
Find out more about Nic's book Happiness is a Serious Business.
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Loved this episode?
Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues who care about building brighter, fairer workplaces.
Why do so many workplace wellbeing initiatives fall short, and what would it look like if everyone, not just HR or a handful of “champions” were equipped with real wellbeing skills for daily life at work? In this episode, Helen sits down with Thomas Roulet, Professor of Organisational Sociology and Leadership at Cambridge Judge Business School and co-author of the new book Wellbeing Intelligence: Building Better Mental Health at Work, to explore what it truly means to bake wellbeing into the DNA of organisational culture.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ Why leaders often misunderstand the signs of stress and mental health in themselves as just “bodily” symptoms (like tiredness and fidgeting) and why it’s crucial to connect the dots between mind and body
⭐️ The difference between intervention-focused and truly preventative wellbeing strategies at work
⭐️ What “wellbeing intelligence” is and why it should be democratised so everyone can champion mental health, not just a select few
⭐️ How techniques from counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be simply and practically used by anyone at work, not just professionals
⭐️ The impact of hybrid work, loneliness, and even new workplace technologies like AI on our wellbeing and social connections
⭐️ Culture watch-outs - how even the “best” workplaces can enable burnout when boundaries aren’t protected, and how to spot those early warning signs
⭐️ How to cultivate psychological safety so colleagues feel able to share when their workload is too much (and managers respond with genuine support)
⭐️ Small but mighty actions: from taking real breaks to deleting your email app on holiday, and sharing wellbeing practices with your team
⭐️ Why self-awareness and self-care aren’t ‘nice to haves’, but essential leadership and life skills in an always-on world.
Tune in for a fresh and practical discussion packed with research insights, lived experience, and tips you can use to support your own and others’ wellbeing at work.
About Thomas Roulet
Thomas Roulet is the Professor of Organisational Sociology andLeadership at the Judge Business School, and a Fellow in Psychologyand Behavioural Science at King's College, both at the University ofCambridge.His work focuses on the future of work, mental health in theworkplace, communication and uncertainty management. His comments areregularly featured in the Financial Times, the Economist, Bloomberg,the Telegraph, BBC or Le Monde. He writes a column for Forbes:https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasroulet/ and has a number of papersin the Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review inaddition to his research.In 2024, he was recognised as one of the Young Global Leaders by theWorld Economic Forum, and as an upcoming leadership thinker byThinkers50, MT/Sprout, or Nexxworks. He was made a Mid-Career Fellowof the British Academy in 2023 and Fellow of the Academy of socialsciences in 2025. In 2020, he was named among the 40 Best BusinessSchool Professors below 40, and a Business School Professor to Lookfor by Business Because.
Links:
Connect with Thomas on Linked In.
Discover Thomas’ new book here.
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Loved this episode?
Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues who care about building brighter, fairer workplaces.
How do you create a workplace where company values aren’t just words on a website, but the DNA of how people treat each other and do business every single day? In this episode, Helen talks to David Hutchinson, CEO and Founder of PeopleCheck, a global leader in background screening checks renowned for championing transparency, compliance, and kindness, to uncover what it really takes to build organisations where values come alive in every interaction.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ What genuine, lived values look like beyond the wall posters and marketing blurb
⭐️ Why values aren’t something you work out, but something you build your business around from day one
⭐️ How aligning company and individual values attracts the right people (and deters the wrong fits) at recruitment and beyond
⭐️ Practical ways to embed kindness even in compliance-driven, highly regulated sectors
⭐️ The ‘people glue’ effect: how values enrich every relationship, from employees to suppliers and clients
⭐️ How actions, not words, bring values to life especially in moments of challenge, mistake, or disagreement
⭐️ Building high-trust, highly accountable cultures where transparency and autonomy thrive
⭐️ The role of environment, habit, and leadership in consistently nurturing values,no matter how big or fast you grow
⭐️ Handling ‘value transgressions’, supporting mistakes, and ensuring your standards remain high as teams expand
Make sure you tune into this interesting conversation packed with wisdom, real-life examples, and actionable tips on building organisations where everyone flourishes and where company values are never just an afterthought.
About David Hutchinson
David Hutchinson founded PeopleCheck, a leading digital background screening company that focuses on trust and compliance globally, in 2003. He is an expert in the background screening industry with extensive international experience, having built and led companies in SE Asia, the US and the UK.
David's approach to business emphasizes that every area should be "clear, transparent, meaningful and compliant” – supported by great people, smart technology and a consistent focus of responsiveness, discretion, kindness & a deep understanding of context at every stage of the process.
He is committed to setting best practices and maintaining excellence in quality, processes, smart use of technology and proper compliance.
David has served on the Global Boards of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) & is also a former Chair of the European PBSA Council.
Under his leadership, PeopleCheck has been "setting the standard and leading the way" in the background screening industry for almost two decades.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Connect with David on Linked In.
Find out more about People Check here.
Loved this episode?
Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues who care about building brighter, fairer workplaces.
What does it really take to foster genuine critical thinking at work beyond just ‘debate’ or ‘criticism’ and why is it essential in today’s rapidly changing, AI-powered business world? In this episode, Helen talks to Dr. Arlene Egan, CEO of Roffey Park Institute and author of Confidence in Critical Thinking, to unpack how leaders and teams can cultivate curiosity, ask better questions, and build cultures where honest debate, openness, and even vulnerability fuel high performance.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ What ‘critical thinking’ actually means at work and why it’s not the same as being critical or negative
⭐️ Why asking the ‘right’ questions is the crucial starting point for productive thinking and decision-making
⭐️ Practical strategies and meeting tips for teams to surface assumptions, encourage curiosity, and ensure everyone’s solving the same problem;
⭐️ How to move from ‘automatic’ fast thinking to deeper, more effortful reflection, especially when making big decisions
⭐️ The difference between healthy challenge, debate, and unsafe criticism and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments for all perspectives to flourish
⭐️ The impact of generative AI on our capacity (and willingness) to think critically, and why it’s more important than ever to interrogate AI outputs
⭐️ The underrated power of reframing, perspective-switching, and even physically changing your environment to unlock fresh insights
⭐️ Simple tools, question frameworks, and reflection practices you can use right away to strengthen critical thinking in yourself and your team.
Tune in for a thought-provoking, practical discussion about building more open, resilient, and brilliant organisations, one question at a time.
About Dr. Arlene Egan
Arlene has twenty-five years-experience working in leadership and management development. Her experience in delivering development excellence spans executive education, higher education, sport, and local government sectors both in Ireland and internationally. Arlene was awarded a PhD from University College Dublin in Psychology for her work on designing, implementing and evaluating initiatives to enhance critical thinking. This work which built on her MLitt in Sport Psychology provides Arlene with a unique perspective on the link between thinking and performance and provides her with a deep understanding of how thinking can be optimised to promote focused performance.
Arlene has designed and delivered bespoke programmes to enhance leadership practice and organisational function. Her specialist areas include team development, leadership development and performance, motivation, change management, innovation, creativity and critical thinking and has recently released a book aimed at third level educators entitled ‘Confidence in Critical Thinking’. As a consultant, Arlene has worked with Boards, C-Suite, Senior and leadership teams. She specialises in strategic thinking and top team design. She advises on organisational performance and culture and identifies the right learning environment to promote engagement and development within organisations.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Connect with Arlene on Linked In.
Find out more about Roffey Park here.
Discover Arlene’s book ‘Confidence in Critical Thinking’ here.
Loved this episode?
Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues.
What does it really mean to fuse purpose and performance at work, and why does it matter for both organisations and individuals? In this episode, Helen sits down with Madhavi Bhasin, global HR leader and Head of Purpose-Driven Performance at Udemy, the AI-powered skills development platform, to explore how companies can put employees’ sense of meaning and fulfillment at the heart of high performance without compromising results.
Together, they chat about:
⭐️ What “purpose-driven performance” really means and how to make it more than just a company catchphrase;
⭐️ Practical tools and examples for managers to reframe performance reviews, including powerful questions to put employees’ experiences at the centre;
⭐️ What it takes to change ingrained habits and enable more human conversations at work;
⭐️ The “muscle building” process: how Udemy is iteratively training and supporting managers to master more empathetic, people-focused conversations;
⭐️ How purpose and high performance work hand-in-hand, shifting from compliance-driven reviews to collaborative goal-setting and a shared vision;
⭐️ Real-life feedback and early signals from Udemy’s new system, including rising manager effectiveness scores and greater clarity about goals;
⭐️ Why everyone regardless of industry role or seniority should regularly reflect on their legacy and what makes work truly fulfilling.
Tune in for a fresh, practical take on redesigning performance management that unlocks engagement, clarity, and impact for everyone involved.
About Madhavi Bhasin
Madhavi is a leader in the Human Resources space for over 15 years with experience in leading People Teams, organizational and individual capacity building programs across the globe. In starting her career with academic research and navigating through non-profit and consulting space, Madhavi brings a systems centric view to solving organizational challenges. According to Madhavi, any organization's unique competitive advantage is their talent and thriving teams are the easiest way to achieve organizational goals. She works to ensure that business outcomes are driven by talent strategies and equitable processes. Madhavi was born and raised in India and has lived in the San Francisco Bay for the past 17 years.
Connect with Madhavi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhavi-bhasin/
Explore Udemy, the AI-powered skills development platform: www.udemy.com
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Loved this episode?
Follow The Business of Being Brilliant, rate and review the show, and share it with friends and colleagues who care about building brighter, fairer workplaces.
What does workplace fairness actually mean and how do we tackle unfairness in practical, evidence-based ways? In this episode, Helen speaks to Siri Chilazi, senior researcher at Harvard Kennedy School's Women and Public Policy Program and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results, to get to the heart of how organisations can create truly fair environments where everyone has an equal chance to succeed to their full potential.
Together, they discuss:
⭐️ What “fairness at work” really means, using powerful metaphors and examples.
⭐️ The everyday systems and processes that unintentionally create inequities like biased hiring, promotion gaps, and selective exposure to stretch assignments.
⭐️ Why fairness benefits everyone, not just underrepresented groups.
⭐️ Why traditional “add-on” DE&I programmes (like unconscious bias training) often fall short and how making fairness intrinsic to day-to-day processes is far more effective.
⭐️ Practical, scientific strategies: using data and behavioural science to identify, track, and tackle hidden inequalities.
⭐️ Real-world examples of simple but powerful organisational experiments from standardising interviews to tweaking feedback emails that have measurable impact.
⭐️ What leaders at all levels (not just the C-suite) can do to drive fairness in their own team even if it's just changing the pictures on the wall!
⭐️ How to set targets and measure progress on fairness (and why that clarity matters).
Siri shares personal stories from her own career and highlights from her research, showing how everyone can be an agent for fairer work, no matter your role or seniority. Helen and Siri offer concrete advice and actionable examples for leaders and individuals keen to swap tokenistic programmes for meaningful, systemic change.
Tune in for a lively, myth-busting conversation that will leave you rethinking how to embed fairness practically and sustainably into the heart of your organisation.
About Siri Chilazi
Siri Chilazi is a senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School and an internationally recognised expert in advancing women and promoting gender equity in organisations. As an academic researcher, Siri specialises in identifying practical approaches to close gender gaps at work by de-biasing structures and designing fairer processes. As an advisor and speaker, she collaborates with organisations including start-ups, large multinational companies, top professional services firms, governments, non-profits, and academic institutions to advance gender equity through evidence-based insights. Siri’s work regularly appears in leading media outlets and she has spoken on gender equity at hundreds of large events around the world. Siri is the coauthor, with Iris Bohnet, of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results (HarperCollins, 2025). She has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA in Chemistry and Physics from Harvard College.
Learn more at: https://makeworkfair.com
Connect with Siri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirichilazi
Link mention: Explore More Than Now, a UK-based behavioural science consultancy helping organisations run internal fairness experiments: https://morethannow.co.uk/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How do you build a fast-growing, distributed organisation that balances both freedom and consistency and avoids the pitfalls of old-school ‘command and control’ leadership? In this episode, Helen sits down with Amrit Singh, Chief Operating Officer at the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), to explore exactly what it takes to lead with trust, delegate decision-making and thrive during ambitious, high-speed growth.
Together, they unpack:
⭐️ How the NIoT designed a flexible, regional model with no central “mothership” to attract the best talent nationwide and serve customers better.
⭐️ The reality of merging four distinct organisational cultures whilst launching a startup.
⭐️ Practical strategies for balancing consistency and local autonomy.
⭐️ Why transitioning out of a ‘command and control’ mindset is vital for agility, speed, and well-being.
⭐️What “brilliant failure” looks like in action.
⭐️ Why NIoT is investing in line manager training BEFORE senior leadership programmes.
⭐️ Honest insights into avoiding burnout especially for managers.
Amrit shares candid stories from the NIoT’s whirlwind first years, highlighting what’s worked (and what’s still work-in-progress) in building a distributed, genuinely people-centered organisation from the ground up. You’ll hear actionable advice for any leader who wants to loosen the reins without losing direction and foster a workplace where everyone can flourish.
Tune in for a lively, practical conversation about intentional culture design, making tough choices, and building a culture of trust.
About Amrit Singh
Amrit moved to education in 2020 after a career in financial services, notably as Finance Director for a €500m revenue division at Deutsche Bank. As Chief Operating Officer at the National Institute of Teaching he oversees Professional Services at an organisation that came into being in May 2022 and has just been registered as a Higher Education Institute with the Office for Students. A transformationalist at heart he is enjoying his most fulfilling job in his career to date as the Institute moves from fast-paced startup mode into a maturing organisation.
A brummie by birth, Amrit has lived around the UK in Birmingham, Tunbridge Wells and Chester and had a short stint working in Mumbai, India before moving to a village in South Staffordshire with his young family and cavapoo called Hugo. In his spare time Amrit enjoys a wide range of music and continues a 20-year battle to learn the guitar with his two young daughters now helping him play.
Learn more about the National Institute of Teaching: www.niot.org.uk
Explore the National Institute of Teaching’s research: https://niot.org.uk/research-projects
Connect with Amrit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-singh/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Why do seemingly small interactions at work sometimes spark big reactions, and how can understanding our underlying needs transform the way we handle conflict? In this episode, Helen sits down with Alice Sheldon, a psychologist, educator, creator of Needs Understanding, and author of *Why Weren’t We Taught This at School?* to shine a light on those “fingerprint needs” and the hidden frustrations we all carry with us into the workplace.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ What “needs” really are, not just survival, but purpose, creativity, recognition, and more and why we’re all wired to react when they’re threatened.
⭐️ How our brains often “flip their lid” during conflict or feedback moments, making rational thinking nearly impossible in the heat of the moment.
⭐️ Simple techniques to uncover your own primary needs (and those of your colleagues), recognise when they're getting triggered, and reset before reacting.
⭐️ Why team dynamics often reflect unspoken, unmet needs – plus practical advice for managers and individuals to approach tension more compassionately.
⭐️ The difference between empathy and sympathy (and why true empathy creates space for real change).
Alice shares stories of her own big emotional responses at work, and describes easy, actionable ways to build self-awareness, de-escalate drama, and create genuinely healthier communication at every level in an organisation. Whether you’re a manager, team member, or just someone curious about workplace dynamics, you’ll come away from this episode energised and equipped with a fresh ‘kind lens’ for even your trickiest work relationships.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation about neuroscience, vulnerability, and the messy business of being human at work.
About Alice Sheldon
Alice Sheldon is the creator of Needs Understanding, a transformative approach to communication and relationships that fosters empathy, connection, and empowerment. She shares this work globally through keynotes and workshops, helping individuals and teams thrive.
Her book, Why Weren’t We Taught This at School?, has been translated into eight languages.
Alice holds an MA in Psychology and Neurophysiology from Oxford University. Before founding Needs Understanding, she worked as a secondary school teacher, a barrister, and later led Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity.
Learn more at www.needs-understanding.com.
Connect with Alice on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-sheldon/
Alice’s free fingerprint need guide: https://www.needs-understanding.com/fingerprint-need-guide
Alice’s free list of needs: https://www.needs-understanding.com/essential-lists
Alice’s book: Why Weren’t We Taught This at School?
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How do you deal with a tricky boss and how can you build resilience and thrive if you’re working for one? In this episode, Helen sits down with Eric Charran, technology executive, author, and former leader at Microsoft and Capital One to take a deeper look at why so many of us encounter difficult managers, and most importantly, what we can do about it.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ The typical unhelpful behaviours and archetypes of dysfunctional managers, and why these patterns repeat themselves in the workplace
⭐️ Why managers often lead the way they were led, and how a lack of training or support sets even well-intentioned leaders up for struggle
⭐️ Practical, emotionally intelligent coping strategies to help you shift your working relationship — from using empathy and curiosity to developing “growth” strategies for your managers.
Eric shares stories from his own career (names changed to protect the innocent!), and outlines actionable advice for not just surviving difficult boss dynamics but also helping your boss grow in the process. You'll come away with a fresh, compassionate perspective and a toolkit for navigating difficult workplace relationships.
Tune in for real talk on manager mishaps, emotional intelligence, and becoming your own best advocate at work.
About Eric:
Eric Charran is a visionary technology executive, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in transforming global enterprises through digital innovation, data-driven strategy, and AI-driven solutions at major organisations, including Microsoft and Capital One. His strategic insights and leadership have driven high-impact changes across sectors, optimising performance and fostering resilience in industries from finance to healthcare.
In Have You Ever Had a Boss That…, Charran draws on his extensive leadership experience and his understanding of corporate dynamics to offer readers a guide to navigating workplace challenges, enhancing personal effectiveness, and fostering a balanced, fulfilling career. With insights that resonate across industries, he empowers readers to become more effective leaders and team players. With a career shaped by a commitment to measurable impact and a player-coach leadership style, Charran is a sought-after speaker and advisor on topics of leadership, digital innovation, and organisational change. His work continues to influence leaders and organizations seeking sustainable, innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving world.
Eric’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Ever-Boss-That-Dysfunctional-ebook/dp/B0DJH2YW4S
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How do quick fix solutions impact the way we approach organisational challenges, and what's the alternative? In this episode I chat with Steve Hearsum, an experienced organisational consultant, coach, and author. Together, we explore why quick fixes in the business world are so tempting yet problematic; we also discuss the human side of transformation.
Join us as we explore how to:
⭐️ Recognise the allure of quick fixes while understanding their long-term implications.
⭐️ Equip yourself with the tools for constructive conflict and meaningful dialogue across organisational boundaries.
⭐️ Foster an environment where enquiry and sense-making are at the forefront of addressing complex challenges.
Steve shares compelling examples, such as the pitfalls of top-down transformations and the dysfunctions at board level, highlighting the necessity for collective sense-making. He also provides valuable insights into how individuals can be empowered to speak up in organisations entrenched in quick fix mentalities.
Tune in to discover how understanding the intricacies of quick fixes and embracing discomfort can lead to more sustainable organizational success.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the show, and catch our next episode in two weeks!
About Steve Hearsum:
Steve Hearsum has worked for over 20 years as an organisational consultant, coach and more recently supervisor. He has a keen interest in the human side of change, which in recent years has grown into a fascination with how shame and anxiety drive behaviour in organisations, particularly at senior leadership levels. He supports and challenges clients to find their edge and stretch when what they are after is more than simply ‘better sameness’. and has been described as ‘the right kind of fly in the ointment’.
His work focuses on building change capability in three main ways. Helping leaders develop their practice in terms of how they show up and the impact they have; working with internal and external consultants and organisational change practitioners of many a hue to develop their consulting skills; and culture work more generally. He published his first book, No Silver Bullet: Bursting the bubble of the organisational quick fix, in 2024.
Steve on Linked In: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stevehearsum
Steve’s websites: https://www.hearsum.com/ and https://www.edgeandstretch.com/
Steve’s book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZB11C26/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How can organisational culture shape the language we use and the decisions we make? In this fascinating episode, I chat to Gill Ereaut, researcher, author, and organisational consultant. Together, we explore the intricate world of organisational language and how it reveals deep-seated cultural norms and assumptions.
Join us as we explore how to:
⭐️ Spot language patterns that unveil an organisation's hidden culture and unspoken norms.
⭐️ Encourage individuals to become sleuths of their own work environments, promoting self-awareness and other awareness.
⭐️ Challenge accepted narratives non-confrontationally and empower team-level culture shifts from the ground up.
Gill shares insightful anecdotes, such as how shifting from “driving” to “inviting” language transformed customer relationships, demonstrating the profound impact of subtle linguistic changes. She also provides practical tips on how leaders at all levels can facilitate culture change by listening harder and nurturing curiosity.
Tune in to discover how the way we talk at work reflects and reshapes our organisational culture.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the show, and tune in to our next episode in two weeks.
About Gill Ereaut:
Gill Ereaut is a researcher, author, speaker and organisational consultant. In 2002 she founded the consultancy Linguistic Landscapes, pioneering the commercial application of language sciences – linguistics and discourse analysis – to real organisational issues.
Her recent book "The Way We Talk Around Here: How your organization's culture shows up in your language and why it matters" is an Amazon #1 Bestseller.
She holds degrees in Psychology and Contemporary Cultural Processes and has amassed more than 40 years’ experience in business consulting. She remains insatiably curious about organisations and language and the effects they have on each other.
She lives in Oxford, UK with an oversized whippet and (probably) too many books.
Find out more: Linguistic Landscapes
Gill on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillereaut/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How can organisations deliver for growth even amidst unending changes and tight deadlines? In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Professor Adam Boddison OBE, CEO of the Association for Project Management, who sheds light on the intersection of project management and leadership under pressure.
We explore how organisations can empower their teams to deliver more effectively by:
⭐️ Emphasising the importance of strategic planning and recognising that "projects don't go wrong, they start wrong."
⭐️ Understanding to blend project, product, and change management for more successful execution.
⭐️ Adapting to continuous project delivery rather than traditional BAU models.
Adam also explains why focusing on the project benefits - both intended and unintended - is crucial for societal impact, with examples such as the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Channel Tunnel.
Discover practical strategies to enhance your project success rates and how the Association for Project Management supports individuals and organisations with its competence framework and corporate partnerships.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the show.
About: Prof. Adam Boddison OBE
Prof. Adam Boddison OBE Adam joined APM (Association for Project Management) as CEO in September 2021 having previously held leadership roles in other membership associations, including six years as CEO of the National Association for Special Educational Needs. In addition to his role at APM, Adam has a diverse non-executive director portfolio supporting organisations and projects that benefit society. In 2022, Adam was awarded the OBE for services to children with special educational needs.
Links:
Association for Project Management’s website: https://www.apm.org.uk/
Their competence framework for individuals: https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/find-a-resource/competence-framework/
Association for Project Management on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-for-project-management/
Find Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamboddison/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
Are you ready to learn how to successfully bridge the knowing-doing gap during change in your organisation? In this episode of The Business of Being Brilliant, join me, Helen Beedham, as I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Rupert Brown, Chief People Officer and author of the forthcoming leadership book "Mind the Gap." Together, we explore the fascinating world of organisational change and uncover strategies to navigate the complexities of transformation in today's dynamic business landscape.
During our discussion, we discuss:
⭐️ Bridging the knowing-doing gap in leadership to enhance change management success.
⭐️ Understanding the emotional and relational dimensions of change, beyond just the logical aspects.
⭐️ Building change resilience within an organisation and the vital role of empathy and trust in leadership.
Rupert shares his journey and insights from extensive experience in leading major change initiatives across various industries. He emphasises the importance of fostering environments where open conversations, vulnerability, and empathy are prioritised to guide organisations through successful transitions. Listen in for practical advice on closing the gap between knowing what change needs to occur and effectively executing it.
About Rupert Brown:
Rupert Brown is a Chief People Officer with deep organisational change experience including mergers, acquisitions, digital transformation, joint ventures and turnarounds. He has worked across a variety of industries including consumer goods, supply chain, software, telecoms and education with global multinationals like Procter & Gamble, Maersk, Virgin Media O2 as well as smaller, private-equity-backed and family-owned businesses. Rupert now lives in his native England having spent 15 years of his career living overseas in Switzerland, Singapore, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. Rupert’s first book "Mind the Gap - bridging the knowing-doing gap in leadership during change" is due to be published in the summer of 2025.
Connect with Rubert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-brown-3613361/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How do you discover what truly motivates people in their careers? In this episode I sat down with Thomas Harwell, Head of Talent Engagement and Diversity Recruiting at Google for Europe, Middle East and Africa. We discuss how understanding personal motivations and creating meaningful career paths can lead to flourishing workplaces.
In this episode we explore:
⭐️ Understanding that careers make sense looking backwards, and encouraging regular reflection on career goals;
⭐️ Promoting transparent conversations between employers and candidates about expectations and workplace culture ;
⭐️ Supporting all talent by recognising that opportunity isn't always equally distributed;
Thomas shares insightful strategies, such as treating job-searching like dating or house-hunting, using the interview process as a two-way street, and helping managers become effective career coaches. He also explains the importance of being intentional about career choices and how organisations can support employees in exploring different paths. Listen now for practical advice on understanding workplace motivations and creating meaningful career journeys.
About Thomas Harwell
Thomas is an experienced talent leader with a passion for fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering individuals in their career journeys. Currently serving as EMEA’s Head of Talent Engagement & Diversity Recruiting at Google London, Thomas has a track record of developing and implementing impactful programmes that support career development and advancement.
Prior to Google,Thomas held roles at Boston University and Boston College, where he provided career coaching and resources, with a focus on individualized career strategies. Thomas’ expertise lies in talent management, recruitment, and programme development.
Thomas´ commitment to career development extends beyond the workplace. As a board member of Spiral Skills, he provides strategic direction to an organization dedicated to supporting youth in South London in pursuing their job related skill development.
Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasharwell/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How can we ensure that flexibility in the workplace is accessible and fair for everyone? This week, I am thrilled to dive into an enlightening conversation with Claire Campbell, Chief Executive of the award-winning social enterprise Timewise. We explore the pressing issue of making flexible working arrangements more equitable in our post-pandemic world.
We also discuss how Claire and Timewise are driving positive change by:
⭐️ Exploring innovative solutions such as AI software to create intelligent rosters that consider staff preferences and skills.
⭐️ Highlighting the differences in access to flexibility between office-based, site-based, and shift-based roles.
⭐️ Implementing fairer flexible working practices across various industries, from the NHS to construction and retail.
Claire shares insightful strategies and real-world examples, such as the impact of team-based rostering in the NHS and job-done, knock-off approaches in construction. She also explains the importance of manager support and peer-to-peer learning in fostering a culture that values flexible working. Listen now for some great stories, practical examples, and actionable insights into making flexibility fairer for all employees.
About Claire Campbell
Claire Campbell is a flexible working and job design expert and Chief Executive of social enterprise Timewise. Over the past few years, Claire has worked extensively with local authorities and the NHS, as well as a wide range of private sector and frontline organisations. She has overseen many of Timewise’s larger consultancy projects and innovation programmes and believes that there are ways of improving flexibility and choice in every role.
A former Senior Civil Servant, Claire was an HR Director in two Govt departments where she led on resourcing and talent. She has also previously worked as Director of HR Research and Consulting at the Institute for Employment Studies. She is passionate about using job design to create fairer, healthier and more flexible organisations. Claire has a Masters in Occupational Psychology and is a Fellow of the CIPD.
Email: Claire.campbell@timewise.co.uk
X/Twitter: @clairecampbellj
About Timewise
Timewise is an award-winning, social enterprise and leading expert on flexible working and job design. Over the last 18 years we have worked with many of the UK’s leading employers to improve their approach to flexible working, and with industry bodies and policy makers to undertake research, campaigns and innovative programmes to drive wider change.
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The
Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
What does freedom at work mean to you? Take my short survey here.
Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.
How can you reduce bad decisions in both personal and professional contexts? This week, I'm thrilled to share a captivating conversation with Adrian Kelly, author of "The Success Complex" and an expert in decision-making under pressure. We explore how intellectual humility and resilience can lead to better decision-making and more effective leadership.
We also discuss how we can:
⭐️ Encourage people to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and to seek feedback and support.
⭐️ Use historical and real-life examples to highlight the importance of context in decision-making.
⭐️ Advance intellectual humility as a critical skill for recognising and overcoming personal biases.
Adrian shares compelling stories, such as the interactions between Hitler and Stalin during WWII, to illustrate the dangers of ignoring critical information. He also explains practical strategies, including the "5 whys" technique and stress management practices, to navigate high-pressure situations effectively. Join us as we uncover the keys to making smarter, more informed decisions and creating flourishing organisations.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the show! Remember to tune in to our next episode in two weeks, where we’ll be focusing on building brilliant organisations.
About Adrian Kelly
Adrian Kelly is a former solicitor who has transitioned into a role as a business and sports performance coach. His entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding Airsynergy, a rapidly growing renewable energy company, where he played a crucial role from 2008 to 2018. Following this tenure, Adrian has been active as a business advisor and coach, assisting companies across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. His advisory work notably includes supporting businesses impacted by Brexit through a contract with InterTradeIreland. Alongside his team, Adrian worked individually with over 100 businesses, helping them navigate complex issues such as import/export operations.
Having played and coached baseball for the last 10 years, he has a keen interest in promoting sport and wellbeing and is the current Chairman of the multi million euro and award-winning Peace Link Sport Complex Clones, County Monaghan.
Once a struggling student who languished at the bottom of his class, Adrian knows first-hand the sting of failure. Now, three decades later, he brings his experience as a solicitor, entrepreneur and sports coach to challenge common misconceptions about the core skills vital to overcoming challenge. Blending history, behavioural science and a rich tapestry of interviews, in his new book The Success Complex Adrian explores this age-old question in a new light. With examples from Napoleon to the movie and sports stars of today, he examines how even the brightest and best can lose their way when it comes to the application of those skills.
Find out more: https://askmore.ie/
Links:
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The
Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.
Leave a book review on Amazon here.
Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.
Join her mailing list here.
Become a book supporter: help Helen shape and launch (in January 2026) her second business book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free.
