Summary
In this conversation, Hanna Bauer discusses her journey from a traditional leadership role to embracing heart-centered leadership through her proprietary methodology, Heartnomics. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and relational dynamics in organizations, the need for alignment between personal and organizational purpose, and the integration of operational excellence with human flourishing. Hanna shares insights on navigating career transitions, overcoming imposter syndrome, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures that prioritize emotional intelligence and connection.
Links
https://heartnomics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna/
In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes and Kirryn Zerner explore the critical importance of human connection in the workplace, especially in the age of AI. They discuss Kirryn's transition from corporate communications to keynote speaking, the significance of building trust and connection within teams, and how to engage multiple generations in the workplace. Kirryn shares insights on creating memorable experiences at conferences and the need for leaders to test their assumptions about team dynamics and communication. The discussion emphasizes the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining authentic human interactions.
Takeaways
Resources
Connect with Kirryn Zerna here
Website - https://www.kirrynzerna.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirrynzerna/
Summary
In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes discusses the importance of career clarity and the reasons behind workplace disengagement. She emphasizes that many individuals feel stuck not because they are in the wrong job, but due to a lack of clarity in their career direction. Rachel introduces the concept of the career compass and highlights a critical quadrant that often gets overlooked, providing insights on how to address this issue effectively.
Takeaways
Career clarity is essential for professional satisfaction.
Many people feel stuck due to a lack of clarity, not the wrong job.
Understanding the career compass can guide career decisions.
Disengagement in the workplace is a widespread issue.
Identifying the missing quadrant in your career compass is crucial.
Career clarity can lead to improved job performance.
Feeling stuck can be a sign of misalignment in career goals.
Addressing clarity can lead to a more fulfilling career.
Rachel offers actionable steps to regain clarity.
The conversation aims to empower listeners to take control of their career paths.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Your Career Journey
00:26 The Four Quadrants of the Career Compass
Subscribe for more at rachelsparkes.substack.com
Summary
A deep dive into the Decision Dial framework to get unstuck
In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes discusses the paradox of having more career options and flexibility than ever, yet many individuals feel paralysed when it comes to making career changes. She introduces a framework developed over 15 years to help individuals navigate critical decision points that contribute to this paralysis.
Takeaways
For more Subscribe to my substack rachelsparkes.subtack.com
Work It Real Good Book Series: Chapters 4 & 5: Heart-Mind Connection and Passion & Purpose
Here’s a statistic that might surprise you: the average person stays in a role for only 18 months. We’re changing jobs almost as often as we change our jeans, hopping from opportunity to opportunity, thinking the next one will finally be “the one.”
But it never is.
I see it all the time in my coaching practice. Someone comes to me complaining about their terrible boss, their unfulfilling work, their lack of pay or flexibility. And look, these complaints might all be 100% valid. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping people transform their careers: if external circumstances were really the problem, then everyone who got a pay rise or changed jobs would be living happily ever after.
That’s not what happens.
The truth is harder to hear, but it’s also more empowering: peace and fulfillment come from connection with your true self and working in a career that honors who you are.
There’s this incredible concept from the HeartMath Institute called “heart coherence” – it’s what happens when your heart and mind work together in genuine connection. Their research shows that when we achieve this state, our heart and brain operate as a single system, maximizing energy, preventing stress, and increasing mental clarity.
The problem? For most people, this only happens by accident.
Our energetic heart is constantly communicating intuitive information to our mind, but we ignore it because our ego overrides those quiet suggestions. You know that feeling when you just know what you should do, but you talk yourself out of it? That’s your ego drowning out your heart’s intelligence.
Developing heart coherence requires two things: courage and tenacity. Courage to do things that scare you, to get uncomfortable, to face your deepest fears. And tenacity to keep going when it gets hard, to try new approaches, to refuse to give up.
I call the breakthrough moment “the shift.” It’s that pivotal point when everything clicks, when you tune into your heart coherence and suddenly have permission to be who you were always meant to be. For some of my clients, it’s confronting. For others, it’s like coming home.
Once you’ve connected with your heart, you need to understand what drives you. That’s where passion and purpose come in.
Passion is simple: it’s what you’re curious about. As Oprah told me when I saw her speak in Melbourne, your calling is based on whatever you’re curious about. So pay attention to what makes time disappear, what lights you up, what gives you that burning feeling in your stomach.
Purpose is deeper. It’s the meaning behind your career – the thing that enables you to bear almost anything to succeed. Viktor Frankl, the concentration camp survivor and psychologist, taught us that we need to focus on a cause greater than our own personal gain to find real meaning.
Here’s the counterintuitive truth: if you want success, don’t chase it. Chase purpose. Success, like happiness, must ensue as a side effect of dedication to something greater than yourself.
Look at companies like Thank You Water or Who Gives A Crap. They started with purpose (clean water access, toilet access), learned to be good at what they did, made it profitable, and discovered they loved it.
That’s the formula: Find what matters to you + Get good at it + Make it profitable = Love your work.
But it all starts with the inner work. You can’t skip heart coherence. You can’t bypass passion and purpose. The external changes – the new job, the career pivot, the business launch – only work when they’re built on this foundation.
So stop job-hopping. Start soul-searching. Your dream career isn’t out there waiting to be found. It’s inside you, waiting to be built.
Rachel Sparkes, your HR Bestie from Big Tech
Love Your Work!
Order Work It Real Good Book - Click here
Interview Secrets Training - Click here
Subscribe to the Love Your Work! Substack - Click Here
From customer experience to global product strategist, Samantha’s story reveals how staying human is the real superpower in tech.
Summary
In this episode of Love Your Work, Samantha Middlebrook shares her journey from a non-tech background to becoming a globally recognized product strategist. She discusses the importance of human-centered design in technology, navigating imposter syndrome, and the balance between passion and boundaries in leadership. Samantha also reflects on her experiences with AI transformations and the significance of maintaining human interaction in a tech-driven world. As she launches her consulting firm, she emphasises the need for empowerment and support among women in tech
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Samantha Middlebrook's Journey
02:53 Navigating the Tech Industry: From Customer to Vendor
05:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence
08:10 Passion, Boundaries, and Sustainable Leadership1
0:57 The Evolution of Leadership: From Reluctance to Embracing Responsibility
13:55 AI Transformations: Serving People, Not Just Trends
19:40 The Importance of Human Interaction
22:35 Launching a Consulting Firm: The Right Moment
27:49 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Lessons
For more head to https://rachelsparkes.substack.com/
In this episode, Rachel Sparkes discusses the top 10 career mistakes that individuals often make, drawing from her experiences in HR and coaching. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive, setting clear goals, and maintaining self-awareness.
Rachel also highlights the significance of personal branding, understanding the job market, and preparing effectively for interviews. Additionally, she introduces two modern mistakes related to boundaries and time management, encouraging listeners to take control of their careers and avoid common pitfalls.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Career Mistakes
00:20Top 10 Career Mistakes Explained
05:51Modern Career Mistakes and Conclusion
Summary
In this episode of the Love Your Work podcast, Rachel Sparkes discusses the vital role of creativity in both personal and professional life. She emphasizes the importance of creating for joy, sharing her experiences with music and the use of AI tools like Suno AI for music production. Rachel encourages listeners to engage in creative activities and build a community around shared creativity, highlighting that personal creativity enhances work life and overall happiness.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00The Importance of Creativity in Work
02:26Creating for Joy: Embracing Imperfection
10:30Exploring Music Creation with AI
11:37Using AI Tools for Music Production
19:09Encouragement to Create and Share
Subscribe to the Love Your Work! Substack for full episode, free courses and more.
Rachel
Factors Affecting Todays Workplace
Welcome back, friends — we’re diving into Chapter 2 of my book Work It Real Good (yep, the one I wrote a whole decade ago). This is also Episode 2 in our new series where I dust off those ideas, give them a shake, and see how they hold up in today’s wild world of work. Spoiler: a lot has changed, and a lot hasn’t.
Here’s the quick and dirty:
A whopping 87% of people are disengaged at work. Yikes. Leadership really is the make-or-break here.
Tech is both our bestie and our frenemy. Applicant tracking systems can ghost your CV, video interviews are now normal, and AI is quietly moving in as your new co-worker.
Online learning? Totally mainstream now. No excuses — skills are just a click away.
Younger generations are chasing purpose over pay checks, and women are starting businesses in droves.
And the big one: human connection wins. Robots may be clever, but they can’t lead with empathy, build trust, or crack a good dad joke in a team meeting.
This chapter is all about how economics, tech, and social shifts collide to create the workplace we’re living in right now. It’s a reminder that while the tools change, what people actually want from work — meaning, growth, connection — really hasn’t.
So grab your coffee, hit play on the video, and let’s go a little deeper together.
This has been Rachel Sparkes, your HR Bestie from Big Tech, exploring culture, creativity, and conscious leadership in the modern workplace.
Love Your Work!
Follow along for the next chapter 3 in the Work It Real Good series which is The Top 10 Career Mistakes.
In this episode, Rachel Sparkes introduces her book 'Work It Real Good' and discusses the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in achieving career satisfaction. She outlines the common struggles faced by individuals in their careers and presents a roadmap for transformation through clarity, confidence, and conviction. Rachel shares her personal journey from IT recruitment to coaching, emphasizing the need for meaningful work and the impact of emotional events on career choices. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their career paths and consider the factors affecting today's workplace.
Takeaways
From UX to L&D to leadership—why nothing changes until you meet the right need
Ever tried to roll out a workplace change, only to have it land with all the excitement of a damp muffin?
Yeah, me too.
Recently, I was deep in the weeds designing a technology certification drive. that would be rolled out to thousands of tech folk. The goal? Get people certified. The problem? Most people didn’t exactly leap out of bed thinking, “Yes! Today’s the day I conquer that ServiceNow Pro Plus Suite exam!”
So, I started thinking like a behaviour hacker. Not: How do I tell them what to do? But: What do they actually need? Because if you can speak to someone’s deep human needs, you stop shoving change down their throats and instead make them want to take the bite.
Cue Tony Robbins’ Six Human Needs (here’s the breakdown):
Certainty ↔ Variety
Significance ↔ Connection
Growth + Contribution (the two universal needs that sit above the others)
In a change program, someone high in certainty wants FAQs, roadmaps, and guarantees. Someone high in variety wants options, flexibility, and fun side quests.
Change management, learning and development, UX design, EX design, leadership coaching—it all starts here. You don’t need to hypnotise anyone (although… tempting). You just need to know which needs to tickle.
Ask yourself:
Which need is their number one driver right now?
How can I meet that and sneak in one or two others for good measure?
How do I make it feel like their idea to take action?
People aren’t lazy—they’re just busy meeting their own needs.
When you meet those needs better than the status quo, behaviour changes without the eye‑rolling, foot‑dragging, or mysterious “sick days” during training week.
💡 Love Your Work! Takeaway:
Start mapping your change or program against these six needs before you roll it out. Then stand back and watch the “I’ll get to it someday” crowd suddenly find the time today.
by Rachel Sparkes
Exploring Culture, Creativity & Conscious Leadership in the Modern Workplace
Love Your Work!
I just got back from a whole month working overseas — yep, a full four weeks in Manchester, with side quests to our London and German offices, and some much-needed personal travel to Menorca, The Hague, and Amsterdam with my partner.
It wasn’t just a change of scenery — it was a full-blown mindset refresh. And guess what? Science says this kind of thing isn’t just good for the soul — it’s brilliant for your career too.
We’ve been banging on about “flexibility” and “remote work” for years now, but there’s something uniquely powerful about being in the room. Real eye contact. Serendipitous coffee chats. Strategy whiteboards with too many post-its. You just can’t replicate that magic over Zoom or Teams.
🔍 The Research Backs It Up
The Harvard Business Review reports that in-person interactions lead to significantly more trust and cooperation among teams. In fact, a study by MIT found that face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than email. Thirty-four times! I mean, I love a good emoji-laden teams thread as much as the any millennial leader, but let’s be real — nothing beats a spontaneous hallway chat.
And it’s not just about productivity. According to Gallup, employees who feel “connected” at work are more engaged, have higher wellbeing, and are far more likely to stay.
I felt that deeply this month. Relationships that were once polite Teams calls became real, warm, and full of shared context. I got to sit with colleagues and really listen. I spent quality time with my boss. I even bumped into super senior executives I might’ve never have met otherwise.
✨ Unexpected Perks
There were surprises, too. I learned best practices I never would’ve picked up on if I wasn’t physically present. I saw how other teams onboard, sell, deliver, collaborate. I stole — I mean, “borrowed” — some killer ideas for our teams in other regions. 😉
And let’s not ignore the joy. Travel gave me perspective. Those long workdays in Manchester, weekend escapes to Menorca, Spain and art-strolling through The Hague with my partner, it all made me feel alive. I came back with a full heart and a fresh brain. I remembered why I love this work — because it’s human.
💡 If you’re a people leader — take note. Encouraging international (or interstate, or even in-the-office) collaboration and offering space to combine work with mini-breaks isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. It leads to better performance, retention, creativity, and connection.
So here’s my cheeky challenge to you:
Say yes to the next overseas or interstate work trip. Or better yet — create one. Make time to connect, explore, and soak up the richness of in-person interaction.
You might just fall in love with your work again.
This has been Rachel Sparkes, exploring culture, creativity, and conscious leadership in the modern workplace.
Love Your Work!
Liv Downing's journey from corporate to becoming a thought leader in workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, creativity, and compassion in leadership.
In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes interviews Liv Downing, a psychologist and mindfulness advocate.
They explore Liv's journey from corporate HR to becoming a thought leader in workplace wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, creativity, and compassion in leadership.
Liv shares insights on the differences between mindfulness and meditation, the signs of burnout, and strategies for creating psychological safety in teams. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and the role of compassion in fostering a supportive workplace culture. In this conversation, Liv Downing and Rachel Sparkes explore the importance of connection, mindfulness, and self-awareness in leadership and personal growth.
Liv shares practical mindfulness techniques, the significance of rest, and the balance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership roles. They also discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and how mindfulness can be tailored to support them.
The conversation emphasizes that true change begins with self-awareness and understanding one's triggers and motivations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Liv's Journey
05:08 Understanding Mindfulness vs. Meditation
09:58 The Role of Creativity in Liv's Work
14:59 Burnout: Causes and Prevention Strategies
19:57 The Importance of Compassion and Psychological Safety
27:40 The Power of Connection
29:46 Mindfulness Practices for Leaders
36:35 Understanding Rest and Recovery
41:25 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership
44:44 Mindfulness for the Neuro-divergent Community
47:4 9The Importance of Self-Awareness
Links
Website: https://www.livmindfully.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-downing-06b7974/
You Are Loved Book: https://www.livmindfully.com/new-products/you-are-loved
You Are Loved Podcast: https://www.livmindfully.com/podcast
summaryIn this conversation, Rachel Sparkes discusses the critical importance of company culture in influencing employee performance, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction. She emphasizes that culture is not merely about perks like ping pong tables or free snacks, but rather the collective experience of employees from recruitment to exit. Sparkes shares insights on building a people-first culture, highlighting strategies such as co-creating culture with employees, implementing effective onboarding processes, fostering psychological safety, and ensuring consistent recognition and career development opportunities. She concludes by stressing that cultivating a strong culture is an ongoing commitment that requires daily leadership engagement.takeaways
How Self-Knowledge Transforms Fear from a Roadblock into a Catalyst for Leadership
In this episode of Love Your Work!, I discuss the profound importance of self-knowledge in conscious leadership — and how AI tools like ChatGPT can unexpectedly support our personal growth journeys.
A key theme we explored was fear — particularly how it holds many leaders, especially women, back from embracing their true power. I was reminded of the iconic quote from Marianne Williamson:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."
This idea resonates deeply with the journey of conscious leadership. True leadership doesn’t stem from controlling others — it begins with understanding and leading ourselves. Self-knowledge is the foundation of this power.
In this chat I touch on how AI can serve as a surprising tool for self-reflection. Many of us use ChatGPT for productivity, but what if we used it to uncover insights about our own minds and behaviour?
Here’s a prompt I recommend trying:
“Can you share some extremely deep and powerful insights about my psyche and mind that I would not otherwise be able to identify or see — as well as some that I may not want to hear?”
This prompt invites honesty — even discomfort — which is where the most profound self-discoveries often lie. Leadership requires courage, and that starts with confronting the truths we tend to avoid.
This has been Rachel Sparkes exploring culture, creativity and conscious leadership in the modern workplace….Love Your Work!
Episode Chapters
00:00 Embracing Our Inner Power
00:00 Self-Leadership and Conscious Awareness
03:20 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity
Episode Takeaways
Self-knowledge is crucial for effective leadership.
AI tools can provide deep insights into our psyche.
Confronting fears is essential for personal growth.
Many leaders fear their own power and potential.
Bringing subconscious fears into consciousness is key.
Reframing negative thoughts can empower us.
Leadership starts with understanding oneself.
Everyone has underlying fears, regardless of their position.
Conscious leadership involves making choices from awareness.
Life is short; we should strive to do something meaningful.
I had a huge response to my Blog Post on delegation 2 weeksago. Seems many leaders miss these three game-changing principles:
🎨 Colour: Connecting theDots – Help your team see the full picture, not just their piece of the puzzle.
💬 Be Clear to Be Kind –Vague instructions lead to frustration. Clarity = confidence.
⚖️ Communicate the Consequences –What happens if they nail it? What if they don’t? No surprises = no stress.
I break these down in my latest video—watch now forpractical delegation tips that will transform your leadership!
🎥 Watch this latestConscious Leadership tip, brought to you by Love Your Work! Podcast Host RachelSparkes.
#Leadership#Delegation#WorkPodcast#ConsciousLeadership#ManagementTips
This video is from the Love Your Work! podcast and blog on Substack hosted by Rachel Sparkes You can read the full article here:
https://rachelsparkes.substack.com/p/the-two-word-check-in
Other Links
Brown, Brene. Dare to Lead. Link to Brene Brown’s work
Harvard Business Review: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership. HBR Study on EQ
Zak, Paul J. “The Neuroscience of Trust.” Harvard Business Review. Neuroscience of Trust Study
Gallup: “The State of the Global Workplace.” Gallup Trust and Productivity Study
Zenger, J., & Folkman, J. “The Extraordinary Power of Trust in Leadership.” Zenger and Folkman Trust Study
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over play, Mykel Dixon reminds us that creativity is not just a skill—it’s a life force. In a lively conversation with me (Rachel Sparkes), Mykel shares his journey from jazz musician to corporate consultant, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in leadership and the workplace.
Many organizations struggle to replicate transformative experiences. Why? Because they fail to nurture cultural artefacts that sustain engagement. Mykel emphasizes that creativity isn’t something reserved for artists—it’s an essential ingredient for innovation, connection, and growth.
“Creativity is a life force, not a skill,”he says. And yet, too often, we shy away from creative expression, fearing imperfection. Mykel argues that courage is the key:“It’s okay to do it badly.” The act of creating, even imperfectly, fuels personal and professional success.
The conversation also delves into the evolving workplace. As organizations seek sustainable growth, Mykel challenges the notion of“growth for the sake of growing.” Instead, he champions the role of cultural architects—leaders who foster connection, community, and a joyful work environment.
“We need more joy and generosity in these times,” he says.“Let’s make a new story for humanity.”
Mykel also introduces the idea of the“8D reality,” where aliveness and abundance is everywhere—we just need to notice it. He encourages us to shift our perspective and embrace gratitude.
So, how can we bring more creativity into our work lives? Start small. Give yourself permission to create, embrace imperfection, and become a cultural architect in your own right.
For more insights, check out Mykel Dixon’s work atmykeldixon.com or connect with him onLinkedIn. Let’s make work—and life—more creative, connected, and joyful.
This conscious leadership podcast and blog post bought to you by your host, Rachel Sparkes
Love Your Work!
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Creativity and Leadership
03:00The Impact of Transformative Experiences
05:47Cultural Artefacts and Ongoing Engagement
08:57Mykel Dixon's Journey and Backstory
17:57The Everyday Creative: Embracing Our Inner Creativity
24:05Courage and Permission to Create
31:08The Dance Between Service and Ambition
40:40Abundance and Interdependence
42:01The New 8D Reality in Organizations
45:20Cultural Transformation in Business
48:07The Future of Work and Leadership
52:02The Role of the Cultural Architect
56:09Creating a Joyful Work Environment
01:00:03Embracing Change and Connection
In this episode of theLove Your Work! podcast, I sit down with Christian Miran, a trailblazer in organizational transformation, to discuss reimagining work culture through the lens of the four-day work week. Our conversation dives into the motivations, structure, and measurable outcomes of this innovative approach at Medibank, while uncovering broader themes of conscious leadership and employee engagement.
“People are not resources, but remarkable individuals with untapped potential.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation
Christian shares the guiding principle behind the initiative: a shift from focusing on tasks to prioritizing outcomes. At Medibank, the four-day work week provides employees with 100% pay for 80% of the time, aiming to enhance productivity and well-being. This restructuring demonstrates that when organizations value time over mere output, they unlock hidden potential and foster innovation.
Trust employees to make decisions—it boosts morale and productivity.
Address burnout proactively through meaningful changes, such as reducing work hours.
Engage employees by genuinely listening to their needs and ideas.
“A culture of trust and accountability is essential for success.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation
As work culture evolves, organizations must adapt to retain talent and foster growth. Conscious leadership that prioritizes people over processes can create a ripple effect, driving innovation and well-being.
“The four-day work week is not just a perk; it’s a strategy for unlocking human potential.” Christian Miran, Thrive Nation
Your Host,
Rachel Sparkes
Love Your Work!
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Transforming Work Culture
01:49Implementing the Four-Day Work Week
16:05Measuring Success and Overcoming Hesitations
23:40Unlocking Human Potential at Work
32:27Emotional Connection in Leadership
34:40The Power of Emotional Check-Ins
36:05Building Emotional Awareness in Organizations
39:14Employee Engagement Strategies
40:53Understanding Organizational Systems
43:47Trust and Empowerment in Leadership
46:37Trends in Work Culture and AI
49:27Addressing Workforce Challenges
51:32Closing Thoughts on Conscious Leadership
Links
Connect withChristian Miran
Summary
In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes shares her journey of starting a podcast and exploring creativity through music. She discusses her experiences with various technologies and tools that aid in music creation, including AI music production. Rachel emphasizes the importance of creativity in personal growth and encourages listeners to engage in creative activities.
Takeaways
Rachel Sparkes is new to podcasting and learning as she goes.
Music creation is a deeply healing and spiritual process for Rachel.
Technology can enhance music creation without needing extensive technical knowledge.
AI tools can provide new avenues for creativity in music production.
Creativity can be pursued without formal lessons or significant financial investment.
Engaging in creative activities can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.
Rachel encourages listeners to prioritize creation over consumption.
The podcast explores the intersection of careers, creativity, and conscious living.
Rachel shares her personal experiences with music and technology tools.
Creativity is essential for a sustainable and joyful life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Equipment Testing
02:40 Exploring Creativity Through Music
05:50 Tools and Technology for Music Creation
09:15 AI in Music Production and Creative Challenges
14:55 SoundCloud - Broken version
17:20 SunoAI - Broken version
Links