In this episode, we dive deep into the world of hospitality, restaurant culture, and the changing landscape of the food industry. Our guest, Patti Simpson, is a seasoned professional who has played a pivotal role in reshaping the culture and policies at Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), the company behind iconic restaurants like Shake Shack.[...]

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sports, leadership, and the critical aspect of mental health. Our guests include former Premier League Football, Clarke Carlisle, and his wife, Carrie. England Rugby International, Shaughna Brown, and Single Handed Ocean Racing Sailor, Pip Hare. Each brings a wealth of experience in elite environments and[...]

The Future of Work and Building Businesses with Michael Girdley In this episode, Al talks to Michael Girdley about the future of work, the importance of integrity and loyalty, and the impact of technology on employment. They also discuss the role of generational differences in the workplace, the value of learning how to learn, and[...]

The Future of Work and Building Businesses with Michael Girdley In this episode, Al talks to Michael Girdley about the future of work, the importance of integrity and loyalty, and the impact of technology on employment. They also discuss the role of generational differences in the workplace, the value of learning how to learn, and[...]

In this episode, we're peeling back the curtain on what the global leaders know about 2024 that you might not. These lessons aren't just insightful; they're game-changers for your organisation. We're thrilled to welcome our expert panel: Justin Boxall, Transformation Change Lead at Mars Kimberley Ward, Financial Inclusion & Vulnerability Manager at First Direct Prabha[...]

In this episode, we're peeling back the curtain on what the global leaders know about 2024 that you might not. These lessons aren't just insightful; they're game-changers for your organisation. We're thrilled to welcome our expert panel: Justin Boxall, Transformation Change Lead at Mars Kimberley Ward, Financial Inclusion & Vulnerability Manager at First Direct Prabha[...]

Today, we're taking our DEIB conversation to the next level. We'll explore what it truly means to be an ally, the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, and the pitfalls of DEI washing. Joining us are four incredible experts who will shed light on these crucial topics. Allyship - Moving Beyond Passive Support Allyship[...]

Today, we're taking our DEIB conversation to the next level. We'll explore what it truly means to be an ally, the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, and the pitfalls of DEI washing. Joining us are four incredible experts who will shed light on these crucial topics. Allyship - Moving Beyond Passive Support Allyship[...]

We’re bringing you this episode in collaboration with the MAD World Summit and Make a Difference Media (www.makeadifference.media), the all year around media channel that supports both MAD World and its sister event The Watercooler, which regular listeners will remember us attending in April 2023 (see Episode 37!) We had the privilege of being the[...]

We’re bringing you this episode in collaboration with the MAD World Summit and Make a Difference Media (www.makeadifference.media), the all year around media channel that supports both MAD World and its sister event The Watercooler, which regular listeners will remember us attending in April 2023 (see Episode 37!) We had the privilege of being the[...]

Truth, Lies and Workplace Culture has always been about fostering open and honest conversations. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we're taking a step back from our usual format to share something deeply personal – our own mental health journeys. Al and Leanne I first crossed paths as volunteers for Samaritans, a listening service that[...]

Truth, Lies and Workplace Culture has always been about fostering open and honest conversations. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we're taking a step back from our usual format to share something deeply personal – our own mental health journeys. Al and Leanne I first crossed paths as volunteers for Samaritans, a listening service that[...]

In today's episode, we've got a real treat for you. We're diving deep into the world of corporate nonsense, and we've brought in a true expert on the subject, Martin Lindstrom, author of "The Ministry of Common Sense: How to Eliminate Bureaucratic Red Tape, Bad Excuses, and Corporate BS." Martin is here to help us[...]

In today's episode, we've got a real treat for you. We're diving deep into the world of corporate nonsense, and we've brought in a true expert on the subject, Martin Lindstrom, author of "The Ministry of Common Sense: How to Eliminate Bureaucratic Red Tape, Bad Excuses, and Corporate BS." Martin is here to help us[...]

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode, where we delve deep into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of business success – the health gap. In this conversation, we're joined by a panel of distinguished experts, including Lord James Bethell, Dame Carol Black, Kathy Abernethy, and Chantelle Bell. Together, we uncover the hidden consequences of the health[...]

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode, where we delve deep into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of business success – the health gap. In this conversation, we're joined by a panel of distinguished experts, including Lord James Bethell, Dame Carol Black, Kathy Abernethy, and Chantelle Bell. Together, we uncover the hidden consequences of the health[...]

COME SEE US AT THE 6TH MAD WORLD SUMMIT - OCTOBER 12TH 2023. The UK's Premier Event for Mental Health & Wellbeing Leaders https://madworldsummit.com/ In this episode, we dive deep into the world of employee insights. We're exploring what they really are, how they can mold our workplace strategies, and why they're more important now[...]

COME SEE US AT THE 6TH MAD WORLD SUMMIT - OCTOBER 12TH 2023. The UK's Premier Event for Mental Health & Wellbeing Leaders https://madworldsummit.com/ In this episode, we dive deep into the world of employee insights. We're exploring what they really are, how they can mold our workplace strategies, and why they're more important now[...]

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Maneesh K. Goyal, a queer, second-generation Indian immigrant and successful serial entrepreneur. Maneesh's remarkable journey is marked by resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Join us as we delve into his life experiences, challenges, and his extraordinary path from feeling "othered" to becoming an empowered leader. Segment 1: The[...]

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Maneesh K. Goyal, a queer, second-generation Indian immigrant and successful serial entrepreneur. Maneesh's remarkable journey is marked by resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Join us as we delve into his life experiences, challenges, and his extraordinary path from feeling "othered" to becoming an empowered leader. Segment 1: The[...]

COME SEE US AT THE 6TH MAD WORLD SUMMIT - OCTOBER 12TH 2023. The UK's Premier Event for Mental Health & Wellbeing Leaders https://madworldsummit.com/ In today's episode, we're shining a spotlight on a critical issue - financial well-being in the midst of the cost of living crisis. We'll be discussing five red flags that may[...]

COME SEE US AT THE 6TH MAD WORLD SUMMIT - OCTOBER 12TH 2023. The UK's Premier Event for Mental Health & Wellbeing Leaders https://madworldsummit.com/ In today's episode, we're shining a spotlight on a critical issue - financial well-being in the midst of the cost of living crisis. We'll be discussing five red flags that may[...]

In this episode, we're diving deep into a groundbreaking concept that's reshaping the way we approach workspaces and business success. Join us as we explore "The Human-Centric Revolution: How Putting People First Fuels Business Growth." 🌟 Episode Highlights: Embracing a Paradigm Shift: The corporate landscape is evolving, and it's time to put the spotlight on[...]

In this episode, we're diving deep into a groundbreaking concept that's reshaping the way we approach workspaces and business success. Join us as we explore "The Human-Centric Revolution: How Putting People First Fuels Business Growth." 🌟 Episode Highlights: Embracing a Paradigm Shift: The corporate landscape is evolving, and it's time to put the spotlight on[...]

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! In this episode, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Mandy Price, the visionary founder of Kanarys. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we delve deep into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a twist of disruptive innovation. Meet[...]

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! In this episode, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Mandy Price, the visionary founder of Canaries. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we delve deep into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a twist of disruptive innovation. Meet[...]

Welcome back to a special episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! It's a celebration – we've reached our one-year podcast anniversary, and we're popping the champagne to mark this fantastic milestone. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of our favorite guests, conversations, and moments from the past 12[...]

Welcome back to a special episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! It's a celebration – we've reached our one-year podcast anniversary, and we're popping the champagne to mark this fantastic milestone. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of our favorite guests, conversations, and moments from the past 12[...]

Welcome back to another episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! This time, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of the psychology of happiness. 🌟 Breaking Down Happiness: Get ready to explore what happiness is all about. We're chatting about those moments of pure joy, finding contentment, and understanding how these emotions play a[...]

Welcome back to another episode of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture"! This time, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of the psychology of happiness. 🌟 Breaking Down Happiness: Get ready to explore what happiness is all about. We're chatting about those moments of pure joy, finding contentment, and understanding how these emotions play a[...]

Welcome to a special summer edition of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture" – the podcast that simplifies the science of people for business owners and leaders who want to create enviable workplace cultures where people (and businesses!) thrive.  In this laid-back episode, your hosts Leanne and Al Elliott take the reins for a light-hearted conversation[...]

Welcome to a special summer edition of "Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture" – the podcast that simplifies the science of people for business owners and leaders who want to create enviable workplace cultures where people (and businesses!) thrive.  In this laid-back episode, your hosts Leanne and Al Elliott take the reins for a light-hearted conversation[...]

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of the future of wellbeing at work. As the world rapidly evolves, so do our perceptions and practices around employee wellbeing.  Join us as we explore the emerging trends, strategies, and predictions that will shape the wellbeing landscape in the years to come. In this thought-provoking[...]

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of the future of wellbeing at work. As the world rapidly evolves, so do our perceptions and practices around employee wellbeing.  Join us as we explore the emerging trends, strategies, and predictions that will shape the wellbeing landscape in the years to come. In this thought-provoking[...]

We are very excited to feature Bernard Brogan, Co-Founder and COO of PepTalk, as this month’s Founder Story. Chartered accountant turned entrepreneur, Bernard founded PepTalk after a long career as part of a high performing culture with Dublin GAA winning 7 all-Irelands. Co-founded with his cousin, James Brogan, in 2017 in Ireland, PepTalk exists to[...]

This week, we are talking to 5 senior leaders from some of the world's largest corporations, including Microsoft, Laing O’Rouke, Jaguar Land Rover, Ocado Group and Dentsu International.  Our guests today represent corporations with more than £160BN in revenue, or more than US$200BN, and more than 350,000 employees. We’ll be diving into the best practice[...]

In this inspiring episode, we continue our exploration of equity, diversity, and inclusion by delving into a fascinating case study featuring MKG, a fully women-led experiential marketing agency with offices in New York and LA. Join us as we dive deep into their organisational culture, values, and resilience in the face of challenges, including the[...]

In this inspiring episode, we continue our exploration of equity, diversity, and inclusion by delving into a fascinating case study featuring MKG, a fully women-led experiential marketing agency with offices in New York and LA. Join us as we dive deep into their organisational culture, values, and resilience in the face of challenges, including the[...]

This week we're talking about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and asking and answering the questions you might have as a leader (including the ones you may be afraid to ask!). We've researched the top-asked questions around EDI and our incredible expert guests have answered them for you.  We're thrilled to welcome to the podcast:[...]

We’re back with another episode of our Founder Series. We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin Dahlstrom to the podcast! Kevin is the Founder and CEO of Swell, a disruptive FinTech that is on a mission to reduce credit card debt by a billion dollars.  He’s spent his career in financial services and has served as Chief[...]

Is the office making a comeback? Is remote work a fading trend? And how can workplace design improve employee engagement, wellbeing and performance? In the second episode of this 2-part special recorded at Clerkenwell Design Week, we’re exploring the impact workplace design has on workplace culture and wellbeing.  In our most ambitious episode to date,[...]

Is remote work the future? Or is the office back?! We battle it out over the next two weeks to find the ultimate winner. In the first of a 2-part series, we discuss remote work. Did the pandemic change work life for the better? Is WFT better for productivity? And what impact does working remotely[...]

This week we're talking about neurodiversity, and asking and answering the questions you might have as a leader (including the ones you may be afraid to ask!). We've researched the top-asked questions around neurodiversity and our incredible expert guests have answered them for you.  We're thrilled to welcome to the podcast: Professor Nancy Doyle Professor[...]

Mental Health Awareness is just the start. Real change requires action! This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're guiding you through a triple defence approach to protecting employee mental health and building resilient workplaces. To help, we're joined by three incredible expert guests. Amy McKeown Amy is Award-winning Workplace Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategist and[...]

Today, we are talking about leadership, and specifically, the #1 skill leaders should develop to be more effective in inspiring employees and elevating performance. Yep, it’s time to drop the ego and start inspiring others! To help us understand how to communicate more effectively as leaders, we are joined by two incredible guests. Dr JJ[...]

We are very excited to welcome Oliver Yonchev to the podcast. He's an entrepreneur, a speaker, and the CEO of Flight Story, a 100~ strong marketing agency keeping brands at the forefront of what’s possible, a company he co-founded with Steven Bartlett. Prior to this, Oliver was Managing Director of Social Chain AG, a role[...]

48 hours. 29 experts. 2 hosts. 1 mission. To help you build amazing workplace cultures where people, and businesses, thrive. Phew! What a week! We absolutely loved our time as the Official Podcast of The Watercooler, the UK’s premier conference and exhibition on workplace culture and wellbeing.  Join us behind the scenes and with exclusive[...]

A Boomer, Zoomer, Millennial and Gen-X walk into a bar and the bar-person said... (Answers on a postcard, please!) This week, we're bringing together each working generation to face off on the changes and challenges of the modern workplace. Are Boomers misunderstood? Are Millenials entitled? Are Gen-Z really lacking soft skills? And are Gen-X the[...]

Toxic workplaces aren’t just bad for employee mental health, they’re bad for business. No one sets out to build a toxic workplace culture, yet 2 out of 3 employees have experiences toxic workplaces. What’s worse, 44% of employees blame leadership. As leaders, it’s more important than ever that we know how to spot, and stop,[...]

Welcome to the first episode of our Founder Story Series. We’re thrilled to welcome CEO and Co-Founder Stella Smith to the Podcast. Following a career in financial services, Stella founded a number of small businesses and quickly became frustrated with the lack of well-being benefits that were available, both for her team and other small[...]

As male leaders, we understand that it can be challenging to discuss certain topics, especially when they are related to sensitive matters such as women's health. This episode is dedicated to addressing those questions you've always wanted to ask but were afraid to bring up. These remarkable women bring a wealth of knowledge and experience[...]

We’re told to recruit superstars. A team of superstars means high performance…right?  What if we told you the opposite was true. Hiring superstars has been shown to drag team performance down. And worse, a toxic superstar costs us productivity losses equating to four full-time employees.  So, what now?  Are superstar hires the silent culture killers?[...]

We’ve all had THAT boss. But according to the data, 60% of us might be one of them… How do we know if we’re an asshole? What behaviours are we adopting that make us destructive leaders? And how could values be the key to us transforming from assholes to A+ leaders? We answer these questions[...]

Happy International Women’s Day! We’re celebrating with a panel of formidable women talking about the power (and future!) of coaching and mentoring. We’re honoured to be joined by: Julie Meyer A serial entrepreneur and Founder & Co-CEO of Augmentors, a content platform dedicated to creating a fresh language around the timeless concept of mentoring. She’s[...]

What do a billion-dollar VC investor, a serial entrepreneur and an M&A integration specialist have in common? HINT: They invest in people, not businesses. Today we're joined by three expert guests: Sarah Chen Spellings  Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Beyond the Billion, the world’s first and largest global consortium supporting women-founded companies. In under 2[...]

What does personality have to do with growing a family business? And why is understanding the personality of an entrepreneur a key factor in a successful succession or exit? This week, we’re joined by Chief Science Officer at Hogan, Ryne Sherman, and Entrepreneur and Succession Planner, Stephen Shortt, to understand what it takes to build[...]

What does personality have to do with growing a family business? And why is understanding the personality of an entrepreneur a key factor in a successful succession or exit? This week, we’re joined by Chief Science Officer at Hogan, Ryne Sherman, and Entrepreneur and Succession Planner, Stephen Shortt, to understand what it takes to build[...]

The world of work has changed. The future is here. Between remote/hybrid working and the rise of the ‘side hustle’, millennials and Gen-Z are wanting more from work - and from leaders. In this episode, we’re joined by Work Futuist, Sophie Wade. A Workforce Innovation Specialist at Flexcel Network, a Future-of-Work consultancym Sophie has operated[...]

The world of work has changed. The future is here. Between remote/hybrid working and the rise of the ‘side hustle’, millennials and Gen-Z are wanting more from work - and from leaders. In this episode, we’re joined by Work Futuist, Sophie Wade. A Workforce Innovation Specialist at Flexcel Network, a Future-of-Work consultancym Sophie has operated[...]

Britain's Healthiest Workplace Survey (which informs the awards) was established to help businesses of sizes support their employees to be happier, healthier and more productive Founded by Vitality and free to take part, Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey:  Gives you deep insight into your employee’s lifestyle, physical and mental health, and the effects the pandemic has[...]

This week on the podcast, we’re flipping our attention back to organisations and what they can do to find, engage and nurture great people in 2023. We're joined by Kyle Denhoff, the Director of Marketing, HubSpot, and we nerd out about employer brand, workplace culture & how HubSpot are managing it all. Things we cover[...]

Toughen up. Be a man. Boys don’t cry. Centuries of social conditioning have created a stigma around men’s mental health and burnout.  And it’s killing them. 75% of suicides are men. Suicide is the biggest cause of death among men under 50. Men experience higher rates of cancer, heart disease and addiction - physical health[...]

Toughen up. Be a man. Boys don’t cry. Centuries of social conditioning have created a stigma around men’s mental health and burnout.  And it’s killing them. 75% of suicides are men. Suicide is the biggest cause of death among men under 50. Men experience higher rates of cancer, heart disease and addiction - physical health[...]

Is burnout the next global pandemic?  In Part 1 of this 2-part series, we learned that we could be on track to lose more than half of our workforce due to absenteeism and turnover as a result of burnout. For businesses to survive, and thrive, well-being and burnout prevention need to be at the top[...]

Is burnout the next global pandemic?  In Part 1 of this 2-part series, we learned that we could be on track to lose more than half of our workforce due to absenteeism and turnover as a result of burnout. For businesses to survive, and thrive, well-being and burnout prevention need to be at the top[...]

Is burnout the next global pandemic?  Rates of burnout are on the rise. The State of Workplace Burnout 2023 Report found an increase in burnout rates from 29.6% in 2020 to 38.1% in 2022.  We could be on track to lose more than half of our workforce due to absenteeism and turnover as a result[...]

In part 1 of 2, Al & Leanne make their predictions about what will happen in the world of People & Culture in 2023. Part 2 will be out in the first week of January. Links: You can find Leanne on LinkedIn and Twitter For bonus content, full interviews and sneak peeks of future episodes,[...]

Leanne's been a Business Psychologist for almost 15 years, but unlike a lot of her peers, she's spent 8+ years in the field as a leader and manager, actually implementing the theory she learnt in her Master's degree. This is the untold story of your co-host of the Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Podcast.  We’re[...]

In 2005, Al Elliott was named in the Top 42 entrepreneurs Under 42 in the UK. By 2007 he was bankrupt for £103,000. By 2008 he’d built an ethically-driven multimillion-pound property business, a portfolio that he still holds today.  This is the untold story of your co-host of the Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Podcast. [...]

Creative, innovative, high-performing teams with positive well-being that are engaged and committed to your business - every leader's dream, right? How to engage and motivate teams can seem complicated, but research shows us there is one factor more important than any other: Psychological Safety. Join us as we explore how to build teams that contribute[...]

Let's just get this out of the way - although our last 3 episodes have been about Elon Musk and Twitter, we're not singling him out! However, at the time of release, he is arguably the most famous leader in the world, so any psychological lessons on behaviour and personality are easily demonstrated by using[...]

In the previous episode, we left things on a bit of a bombshell - the Global Head of Wellness at Twitter was unsure if Twitter would survive! Following Elon's acquisition of Twitter on the 27th of October 2022, he promptly fired almost 50% of the staff. However, it's how he did it that has angered[...]

Well... it's been quite the month for the tech industry. Following Elon's acquisition of Twitter on the 27th of October 2022, he promptly fired almost 50% of the staff. However, it's how he did it that has angered people. In this episode we have exclusive interviews with 3 industry insiders: We get the expert opinion[...]

Today, we’re going to dive deep into the famous ‘condition’ and figure out the truth, and lies, behind an affliction that some research suggests affects up to 82% of the population. We answer the following: What is imposter syndrome? Why do psychologists call it something different? Is it all made up? What are the facts?[...]

There seems to be a lot of talk recently about 'Quiet Quitting', so Business Psychologist Leanne Elliott dives into the subject, and answers the important questions: What is Quiet Quitting exactly? How do we know if it's happening in our organisation? How do we, as managers and leaders, tackle it? What do we need to[...]

It's August, and that means sunny days and more opportunities for downtime. We give you our top 7 book recommendations for when you've got some spare time and want to learn how other organisations lead.  So grab a beer, a glass of crisp, white wine or a cup of tea, and let's dive in! ---[...]

In these post-pandemic times, it seems everyone wants to work remotely - but that's not actually the case. A recent survey revealed that most people just want some flexibility to work remotely sometimes. In this episode, Business Psychologist (and lead consultant at Oblong), Leanne Elliott digs into the why, when & how of implementing a[...]

Building a highly engaged team might sound like a daunting task, but there are only 4 things you need to get right. In this episode, Business Psychologist (and the lead consultant of Oblong) Leanne Elliott outlines the only 4 things you need to do to build a team of people who care as much about[...]

Is Employee Engagement just about surveys..? Nope!  In our first episode, Business Psychologist and our lead consultant, Leanne Elliott, discusses why employee engagement is fundamental to business success. "The key to employee engagement is that these positive attitudes, feelings & thoughts, translate actual positive behaviours within the workplace. There's so much research out there, that[...]