In this penultimate episode to the second series, I speak with Dominic Houlder, adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Our conversation weaves between strategy, philosophy, leadership and teams as we explore the 'stormy' weather around us. Dominic reflects that none of us are impervious to change to stay relevant and engaged and talks of the level of reflection he's in with on a Board to adapt and 'tune-in' to what's actually happening and needed in their team. Dominic is one of life's big thinkers, integrating ideas and thinking across the many worlds he inhabits - and hearing his view on the role, purpose and phases in team work was fascinating. I hope you enjoy it too.

In this episode I speak with jazz musician and organisational consultant Alex Steele who bridges the world of onstage improvised musicianship with how we work in our teams and organisations. Alex has a passion for how we engage with the unexpected - recognising both our preferences and habits that have likely brought us success before and that we likely have to let go some of what we 'know' or do to make way for what might come. This episode really struck a chord for the behaviours and bravery needed in organisational life to suspend judgment, listen better and build rather than block energy and ideas as we engage with the unexpected. Not driven by fear, but to expand our humanity for beauty and value.

In this episode I speak with Dr Steve Marshall about his art-based approach to working with organisations. He talks about us all having a 'picture' in our heads of how we see the world, and how this influences our choices and decisions. Steve believes bringing art as a process with our teams and organisations allows us to access far more broadly than cognitive alone. Through dialogue we share we see or feel, whilst interrogating our assumptions, biases and blindspots. So critical for teams going through complex times. Steve's interest is in exploring people's sense of identity, the quality of relationships and connections and how we process what we see in the world. Whilst using art scares many people, it is also such an accessible way to start exploring within our teams, to unpack really complex conversations and step toward diversity, humanity and beauty. Thank you Steve - fabulous work.

In this episode I speak with Gestalt practitioner Marie-Anne Chidiac on why having an orientation when working with teams and change is so important. Marie-Anne explains what a Gestalt approach is and walks us through the 'cycle of experience' and some key concepts in Gestalt, and how they're used with teams. We talk about the role of the facilitator and the importance of contracting well, and supervision when we're using ourselves as vehicles in this work. If you've ever wondered what a Gestalt approach to OD is this is the episode for you!

In this episode I speak with guest Michael Chaskalson, a master practitioner in mindfulness and pioneer in bringing mindfulness to leadership and organisations. Michael explains what mindfulness is - both at an individual and team level - and the benefits to us of paying attention to the quality of our attention and intention in the moment, particularly at times of uncertainty. We explore whether there is a team mind, and what it feels like when team's are at 'flow', when the quality of their noticing of how they are together heightens their ability for psychological safety, innovation and connection. Michael embodies a spirit of non-judgment, curiosity and acceptance, a mindful way in the world that is both appealing and revealing. Thank you Michael for a great conversation.

In this episode neuroscience-practitioner Tibisay Vera shares how neuroscience is important for leaders and in teams to understand, particularly when facing change or uncertainty. Our biochemical reactions are both shaped by our thinking and shape how we think, and behave, through neuroplasticity. Whilst most will be familiar with periods of high stress, we talk about the importance of recovery periods, and the trouble with low-level stress. Tibisay encourages us to purposely form habits for healthy neurbiology, and shares tips on how to do this - from movement, opening windows and exercise. She introduces us to the concept of 'neurococktails' and the importance of our biochemistry matching the nature of the task. What we need for detailed planning in terms of biochemistry and brain wave state is pretty different than when we need new insights or an openness to change. What neurococktail mix do you need?

In this episode I speak with Lesley Roberts about her outdoor approach to coaching work - with individuals and teams. I ask her why working in nature is important and she makes the distinction between work that focusses on the activity (team bonding), and work that focusses on the team (team development). So what difference does working outside make? 'Nature plays a role of perspective, safety and comfort for people to have conversations that matter... what's the stuff that really matters to this team, at this moment.’ Lesley also talked about nature bringing ‘an honesty and relation to how does our team show up in the organisation, and how we do we show up in relation to each other within the team, and brings a sense of whole person’. This works feels revealing, renewing and sustaining. The correlations of the natural cycle in team relationships and development and the cycle of nature feel relevant and nourishing. How could you partner with nature with your team?

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

This series is for practitioners, HR and leaders of teams interested and curious about work at the team level. You'll hear from experienced practitioners as they share their work in this space - and challenge ourselves to consider what impact working virtually has on this work - as we explore interventions, techniques and processes that can help improve the functioning, health and performance of a team. This series aims to lift the lid on this often complex yet hidden work and share the experience of team practitioners more broadly.

We’re used to lots of minor transitions at this time of year as the schools break up, many look forward to holidays where we enjoy socialising free from the constraints of the office, or responsibilities. But this year it looks and feels different. The number and scale of those transitions has stepped up. What were previously fun and looked forward to, can now hold some trepidation and anxiety about what might be or what we might return to. So what can we do as we enter these many transitions and ride the ‘Corona-coaster’ of emotions? Whilst no-one likes to dwell in the days when we’re feeling low. By focussing on how I am now, and even being curious rather than frustrated by my feelings I free myself. We can’t know what even our small part of the world will look in the months to come but we have a window of opportunity to focus on ourselves, our families and our home teams - to refresh, reflect and refocus (the new 3Rs…!). How will you rejuvenate in this ‘holiday’ period?

This episode continues my journey learning more about systemic racial injustice and where we need to focus in our organisations and institutions to make structural change. Just as in climate change, business and public sector organisations have an important role to play in shaping societal norms. Governments don’t control individual behaviour, despite how much we might mandate or regulate. We need to influence through engagement, greater understanding and broadening power. We know that businesses influence at a structural level in how they employ, who they partner with, how they invest and make decisions. To progress equality in an issue as complex and insidious as race we need to work at both a system and individual level to break the reinforcing cycle that works so hard to keep power and prejudice as it is.

This episode continues my journey learning more about systemic racial injustice and white privilege in the UK. In particular I focus on how leaders can host a meaningful discussion aimed at furthering understanding through sharing our stories of difference, and listening well. I’ll talk you through a frame that examines your context, self-awareness, the experience of those affected, and the wider group. I also include a list of things not to do if you are hosting one of these conversations, and what to consider if working virtually.

This episode explores my journey in relation to systemic racial injustice and white privilege in the UK, in response to the death of George Floyd in the US, and the recent global protests. Recognising the power of labels and shame in getting stuck in this hugely important conversation, I share both how I am feeling and thinking as a white woman. I’ll explore the important distinction I’ve learned between being ‘not racist’ and ‘anti-racist’, and some of the symbols that exemplify this distinction. I’ll draw on Brene Brown’s research on shame, and the important distinction between being shamed for being a racist, compared with feeling shame for a collective lack of accountability toward racial injustice.

The fourth episode in a short series aimed at supporting leaders and teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join host Debbie Wayth as she explores dilemmas and challenges during this period for leaders and teams. 30th June 2020.

What motivates us during this period of crisis and uncertainty, and what impact does our working from home have on our motivation? Research has found that working from home does make a difference to our motivation – but it is also impacted by how you do it. Learn about three factors that negatively impact our motivation, and three factors that have a positive contribution – and yet are likely to be neglected or ignored during the pandemic. What focus do you have on your own motivation - and that of your teams – during this period?

Our relationship with control in uncertainty. Multiple layers and levels of change at the same time can be difficult to process and experience: Societal/structural, economic, organisational, as well as at a personal level. Our physiological response from neuroscience. Techniques that can help, for you as an individual, and with your team.