TIE Unearthed

Most conversations about AI begin with speed. What can be done faster, cheaper, with fewer people involved.

But almost none begin with what an organisation has never been able to do at all.

And that's where my conversation with Debbie Ahenkorah and Cameron Milne ended up, although it started somewhere else entirely.

They first met through TIE Leadership during the pandemic. Debbie was leading Golden Baobab in Ghana and needed help translating an ambitious social-impact idea into something the corporate world could understand. Cam, then working in advertising in New York City, became a bridge between the two.

Six years later, Cam is the founder of Braid, focused on the human side of AI transformation, and Debbie is part of that work.

During our conversation, Debbie makes an interesting observation: for a small organisation that has always had the ambition but not the resources, AI can become “their Cam.”

Which then opens up a much bigger question.

If capability is becoming less scarce, what might become possible for organisations that have always been constrained by access to it?

We talk about what that could mean for social-impact organisations, why AI only becomes useful when people know how to weave it into the work, and the agency we need to have over how we choose to use it.

Episode 122 of TIE Unearthed is available now.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe.

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If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership Lessons from All Corners of the Earth, you can do that here.

Some ideas don’t fail because they are wrong. They fail because the world has nowhere to put them yet.

We often assume that if something is good enough, an audience is already there, waiting. But sometimes what you are actually building is the audience itself.

That idea runs through my conversation with Faisal Kiwewa, founder and Artistic Director of the Bayimba Foundation in Uganda.

Faisal began as a musician himself. But when performing became too expensive to sustain, he realised the problem was much bigger than his own career.

So, over twenty years ago, Faisal set out to create opportunities for Ugandan artists who had talent but few places to perform, collaborate or build sustainable careers.

Today, Bayimba has helped shape Uganda’s thriving arts landscape, from live music and festivals to training and art forms that simply weren’t there before.

We talk about what it takes to keep building before the market exists, why Faisal chose to stop performing himself, and what becomes possible when fresh perspectives enter a world you know almost too well.

And I love the thought that Faisal ends with: you can achieve a mission. But if you can achieve your vision, perhaps the vision wasn’t big enough.

So, whether you’re heading out for a run or settling in with your favourite drink, here’s Faisal.

👉 In the meantime, don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Curiosity is easy to praise and surprisingly hard to organise.

Most organisations say they want more of it.

Then they reward speed, certainty and the person who arrives with the answer.

That tension sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeppe Fischer-Mogensen, Head of Strategic Planning at Arla, on this week's episode of TIE Unearthed.

Jeppe grew up in a small town in Denmark, feeling slightly outside of things, following interests nobody else around him cared about. That sense of being on the edge shaped how he sees organisations now, and how rarely they make space for genuinely open thinking.

We explored why curiosity needs purpose, but also room. Why something as small as calling a session a “presentation” rather than a “workshop” can change how people show up. And why brave ideas rarely emerge because people are told to be braver.

And he leaves us with a thought I love: Have strong opinions, but hold them lightly.

A useful place to leave any conversation about curiosity.

Episode 120 of TIE Unearthed is available now.

👉 In the meantime, don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

What if the problem was never that people can't cope, but that we've built a way of working no human was ever meant to sustain?

Just think about that for a moment.

This thought sits at the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Shaw, founder and principal of the Canadian change and transformation consultancy Changify.

For more than twenty years she has worked inside complex organisational change, helping businesses navigate mergers, transformations and the realities of leading through uncertainty.

Where Kimberly goes is somewhere more interesting than frameworks. She takes one of leadership's favourite words and then turns it back on itself.

Resilience, she suggests, has become something organisations expect from people, rather than something they are willing to build for them.

And a bigger question then follows.

If trust, connection and psychological safety are the first things to disappear whenever the pressure rises, were they ever really part of the system at all?

We cover a lot of ground, and Kimberly's energy carries all of it.

The full episode is out now.

👉 In the meantime, don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you'd like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership Lessons from All Corners of the World, you can do that here.

Some people sense that the question they are allowed to ask is not yet the question that matters.

Reflect on that for a moment.

It comes from Philippe Vandenbroeck, my guest on this week's episode. An engineer who became a philosopher, then an urban planner, then one of Europe's most original thinkers on how organisations actually change. He founded shiftN thirty years ago and now teaches imagination as a pre-design practice at ETH Zürich.

What makes Philippe rare is where he has arrived. Not at more certainty, but at less.

He describes a shift from systems thinking to what he calls systems being. From trying to master the mess to accepting our place inside it.

We talk about why imagination is not a luxury but a precondition for change. And about a gap most organisations never measure. Most boards can name the cost of a decision, but almost none can name the cost of doing nothing.

Philippe believes that gap is where the questions that matter actually live.

The full episode is out now.

👉 In the meantime, don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

How many times this week did you nod along when something in you wanted to say no?

That small surrender feels harmless, but Nick Whitnell would argue it's exactly where the cracks begin.

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Nick. A leadership coach, facilitator, former corporate executive, and the founder of Daring Works and The Natural Network.

After years in senior leadership roles, burnout brought Nick to a full stop. What followed wasn't a dramatic reinvention or a neatly packaged transformation story. It was instead something far more honest; a slower, messier journey back toward authenticity and self-compassion.

But this conversation isn't really about burnout.

It's about the quiet cost of swallowing who we are to fit the systems we're part of. Maybe it's the mortgage, the family expectations, the roles we play until we forget they were ever roles at all.

And it's about what it takes to come home to yourself.

We talk about resilience, and why Nick avoided the word for years as it became something weaponised. The version that says "look how much I can endure" while everything inside is shattering.

He offers a different picture - a lotus flower. I love the imagery.

Resilience as deep roots in a nourishing environment rather than gritted teeth in a toxic one.

As the art of saying no.

The fierce, as well as soft, compassion to stay in bed for four days, because that, not pushing through, is what keeps you standing in the long run.

Nature does this, he reminds me. What looks rotten and composted down isn't weakness. It's the whole system regenerating.

We explore the tension Gabor Maté describes between authenticity and attachment. Why we nod along in meetings rather than say the thing we actually believe. And how those small surrenders become the cracks that form in our souls.

And we end on Buckminster Fuller's trim tabs. The idea that the smallest movement can turn a far larger system. Follow what's truly yours, he says, and you pollinate far more than you ever planned to. Like a bee that only set out to find food.

If you've been questioning the pace of your life, reassessing what success actually means, or searching for a more grounded way to move through the world, this one's for you.

👉 In the meantime, don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter [here].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that [here].

You can also reach out to Nick and join his Trim Tabs newsletter here: https://www.daring.works/blog/trimtabs-2-connecting-more-deeply-prf7d-dmcft-zx36g-dwrkn

What happens when a profession designed to bring more humanity into organisations gets weaponised by a culture war?

When language that was meant to create belonging becomes something both sides throw at each other?

And when the corporate world quietly retreats from work it once pledged to champion, what are the real consequences for innovation, adaptability, and long-term survival?

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Joe Gerstandt, a speaker, author, and advisor with over 25 years of experience leading and supporting organisational DEI efforts across nearly every industry imaginable. From Fortune 100 companies to government, healthcare, and nonprofits, Joe has spent his career helping leaders move beyond performative conversations and toward something far more grounded: cultures where people can actually think, challenge, contribute, and belong.

But this conversation isn't a defence of a programme or a political argument.

It's a clear-eyed look at what went wrong, what was never properly understood, and what's actually at stake.

Joe talks candidly about the backlash against DEI in corporate America, why so many organisations quietly walked away, and how fear, legal uncertainty, and short-term thinking have distorted conversations that were always meant to be about people.

He shares why DEI as a profession was chronically underfunded and under-supported long before the backlash, and why that changes how we should evaluate what's actually happened.

We talk about what Kodak and Blockbuster have to do with inclusion.

Why organisations that stop listening eventually stop adapting.

And what it really costs to build cultures where truth can no longer be spoken safely across levels and across difference.

Joe ends with Minneapolis. With a community that faced something hard, and responded in a way that quietly answers the question this whole conversation had been circling.

You'll want to hear this.

👉 Don't forget to share your thoughts, leave a review, and subscribe.

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

What happens when technology becomes more powerful than ever, but we then forget to fully and intentionally live our lives?

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I connect with Brad Rossacci - a Creative Director, storyteller, and self-described “rebellious optimist” who believes curiosity and creativity are the fuel for human flourishing.

Brad has spent years at the forefront of innovation at Accenture, and he’s now Executive Creative Director and Head of Story - shaping how some of the world’s biggest brands think, create, and connect.

But this conversation goes far beyond branding and AI.

We talk about the stories we tell ourselves, and how those stories end up shaping the way we create our lives.

We explore the power of intentional living, the importance of the pause between stimulus and response, and what human agency means in the age of AI.

We also explore authenticity and just how valuable it is in this ever-evolving world we are living in today.

One of my favourite moments was Brad’s insight that:

“High agency organisations use AI to augment human judgment. Low agency organisations use AI to offload thinking.”

Fascinating insight. Perhaps that’s the real tension sitting underneath this entire conversation?

As technology accelerates, what happens? Do we become more passive, or perhaps more intentional?

More disconnected, or maybe more human?

This is a conversation about story, self-awareness, technology, creativity, and what it means to consciously shape the life you want to live.

So, if you’ve been thinking about the power of living more intentionally, how to build the life you want to live, and how to approach AI - and the future - from a place of agency and abundance rather than fear and scarcity, then this one’s for you.

👉 In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

What does resilience really look like when life doesn’t go to plan?

When the future you mapped out disappears….

When the people you love are facing something you can’t fix….

When success, as you once defined it, no longer feels like enough….

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Joe Hamrahi, a seasoned CFO and trusted advisor who has spent over three decades helping businesses grow, scale, and make smarter decisions.

But what makes Joe different is this:

He doesn’t just understand numbers.

He understands what really drives them.

After nearly 20 years as CFO and COO of M Booth - scaling the business from $9M to over $90M - Joe now works closely with founders through FinStrat CFO, helping them navigate complexity with clarity, grounded in both performance and humanity.

Because for Joe, Return on Humanity isn’t a concept. It’s something he’s lived.

After navigating his wife’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis, the breakdown of his marriage, and stepping away from a corporate world that no longer aligned with his values, he was forced to rethink everything.

What actually matters?

How do you keep going when life changes the rules?

And what does resilience really mean, when it’s not about pushing through?

This is a conversation about perspective.

About how we respond when control disappears.

And about redefining success - not by what we accumulate, but by how we live, lead, and show up for others.

If you’re navigating uncertainty, questioning your path, or simply trying to keep going in a world that feels unpredictable….

This one’s for you.

👉 In the mean time, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

What if the most powerful leadership tool we have right now… is a story?

Not a framework.

Not a strategy.

But a story that shifts belief, in ourselves and in others.

In TIE Unearthed, episode 113, I’m joined by Cyril Awere - a people-first transformation leader and the creator of the Believe Africa podcast, now reaching 24,000 subscribers, largely across the African continent.

Born in London. Raised in Ghana. Working globally. Cyril sits at the intersection of growth mindset, agility, culture, and humanity.

In this conversation, we explore how people often know far more than they think they do - but haven’t yet been given permission to believe it.

Why short, accessible stories can create more movement than even the most sophisticated leadership models. How adaptability starts with mindset, not method. And why changing a narrative can quietly unlock potential - in individuals, organisations, and entire generations.

Because today’s leadership challenge isn’t a lack of data or tools.

It’s a lack of belief, psychological safety, and space to think differently.

So whether you’re heading out for a run, walking the dog, or settling in with your favourite drink - press play, get comfortable, and let’s get stuck in.

👉 In the mean time, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you’d like to follow the Believe Africa podcast, you can find it and Cyril’s book [here].

What if purpose isn’t something you find, but instead something that you build?

Recorded earlier this year, before life threw me a curveball, this episode ended up waiting a little longer than planned.

But returning to it now, its message feels even more relevant.

This episode is all about purpose. Real, steady-you-when-the-ground-moves purpose.

The kind leaders are craving.

The kind businesses can’t afford to ignore.

My guest is the brilliant Nicola Pye - Leadership Coach, People Person, former EY Global Talent Director, and someone who has spoken to more than 40 purposeful leaders across continents and sectors to decode what purpose looks like in practice.

Together, we explore:

💫 What truly gives you energy (and what quietly drains it)

💫 Why purpose isn’t a lightning bolt, but a series of intentional steps

💫 What happens when leadership teams aren’t aligned

💫 How stepping out of your comfort zone can reveal what actually lifts you

💫 And why purpose and commerciality are two sides of the same coin

It’s grounded. It’s practical. And it’s full of insights that stay with you long after you’re done listening.

If you’re navigating change, leading through uncertainty, or wondering whether you’re building your life and leadership intentionally, this one is for you.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and let's get stuck in!

👉 In the mean time, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If this conversation sparks something for you and you want to dive deeper into the research behind it, you can download all three of Nicola’s Purpose Papers – The Power of Purpose, The DNA of a Purposeful Leader, and The Dark Side of Purpose – here: ⁠www.nicolapye.com/purpose-papers⁠. They’re short, practical and full of the kind of grounded insight leaders say they wish they’d had years ago.

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

In this special episode of TIE Unearthed, the tables turn once again.

This time, my friend Helen Wada - fellow author, fellow cancer thriver, fellow podcaster, and passionate advocate for humanity in business - steps in to interview me.

After an unexpected pause these last few months, life took me on a journey I never planned for. One that forced a full stop, asked me to trust my intuition, and revealed more beauty, gratitude, and clarity than I ever thought possible in the middle of a cancer chapter.

Together, Helen and I explore what really happens when life throws everything up in the air - and how we choose to meet it.

We talk about the power of manifestation and the art of responding when the universe has other ideas.

We reflect on what emerges in the space created when everything stops, what it teaches us, and how it reshapes what we value.

We dive into the lessons that surprised us both:

✨ how gratitude can exist even when life feels hard
✨ how joy and beauty can still find you in the thick of it
✨how connection, community and letting others in becomes its own kind of strength
✨ how challenge, if we allow it, can transform us from the inside out

It’s a conversation about seeing ourselves, each other, and what truly matters more clearly. And it's about finding purpose in the moments we never thought we’d have to navigate.

I hope this episode gives you something meaningful to reflect on in your own life.

A massive thank you to Helen for joining me and for asking such thoughtful questions. Helen's book HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence will be available globally both in store and online from March 2026.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

What if the richest life wasn’t about accumulation, but contribution?

What if success wasn’t about climbing higher, but going deeper - into purpose, into service, into meaning?

And what if the greatest performance boost available to us today wasn’t technological, but human?

Welcome to Episode 110 of TIE Unearthed.

This week I sit down with Dr. Narath Carlile, a Harvard-trained physician, clinical informatician and systems thinker whose work is redefining how we live, work, and care.

Born in South Africa, shaped by Canada, and working at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation, Narath’s story is one of constant evolution. After years inside medical systems that rewarded output over empathy, he asked a radical question: What if we designed systems to support human flourishing, not just survival?

What followed was MakeTimeFlow Labs, a high-performance AI-supported platform that integrates neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven productivity to help people reclaim time, energy, and joy.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why so many high performers are burnt out, and how we fix the system, not just the symptoms

• What philosophy and emotional intelligence have to do with high-scale, high-touch healthcare

• How systems rooted in truth, justice, and fairness can transform the future of global wellbeing

• And how leaders can shift from performance at all costs, to performance with integrity, balance, and care

We also unpack the true cost of misaligned values in professional life.

Why a poverty mindset in systems (even wealthy ones) leads to emotional and ethical burnout.

And how we can raise children, and build businesses, that measure worth through meaning, not just metrics.

This is a rich, wide-ranging episode that pulls together everything from universal healthcare and burnout to parenting, purpose, and what it really means to live a fulfilled life.

If you’ve ever felt like the metrics of modern success don’t quite match your inner compass, this one’s for you.

I’m off on holiday at the end of next week. But we’ll be back again in August for more TIE Unearthed. Until then!

👉 In the mean time, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

To learn more about MakeTimeFlow Labs, their tools development arm, and get  6 weeks of pro click here: ⁠https://my.maketimeflow.com/philippa

To learn more about their Cognitive High Performance Solutions, their training and coaching arm, click here: https://www.cognitivehighperformance.com

What if we’ve been asking the wrong questions about AI?

What if it’s not just about what AI can do, but instead who we become in relationship with it?

What if the real challenge isn’t technological, but moral, ecological, and civilisational?

Welcome to Episode 109 of TIE Unearthed.

This week I’m joined by Caroline Chubb Calderon, futurist, humanist, and one of the Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics.

She’s the founder of Hello Humanity, a bold futures practice reimagining the role of AI in a flourishing world.

Caroline doesn’t just talk about AI ethics. She challenges us to shift our entire worldview; from extraction to regeneration, from automation to imagination, from machine alignment to Life alignment.

In this conversation, we explore:

🧭 Why regenerative economics, not efficiency at all costs, may be our only sustainable path forward

🌱 What it means to align AI with the principles of life, and the danger if we don’t

💡 The power of moral imagination and why it’s the leadership skill of our time

🧬 How awe, curiosity, and deep human intelligence are our greatest assets in the age of intelligent machines

🌍 Why we must dream differently, and how a small, committed group really can tip the system

We also talk about AGI, ASI, digital relationships, and why the real question isn’t what these technologies can do for us, but instead who we are becoming as we live alongside them.

As Caroline reminds us: if we don’t design AI intentionally in service to Life… it will be unintentionally designed against it.

This one’s not just for the technologists. It’s for anyone who cares about the future of humanity, and the role we each have to play in shaping it.

So grab that favourite beverage, or put on those running shoes, and here is Caroline.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠]. (For a limited time only, the Kindle is only 99p/99c!)

🔗 Learn more about Caroline’s work at: https://www.hellohumanity.com

What if the person at your next boardroom meeting, client lunch, or team offsite is secretly battling an addiction - yet looking like they have it all together?

What if that person is you?

And what if the culture you work in not only enables the behaviour, but rewards it?

Welcome to Episode 108 of TIE Unearthed.

This one is raw, honest, and a truth that few people publicly talk about.

I’m joined by Tabbin Almond; coach, speaker, author, podcast host - and a former advertising exec who lived a double life. On the outside, polished, driven, and successful. On the inside, quietly struggling with alcohol addiction.

In this candid and powerful conversation, Tabbin opens up about:

✨ How casual drinking evolved into a dangerous habit

✨ The shame and silence that kept her stuck

✨ Her first attempt at change - through hypnotherapy - and why it eventually wasn’t enough

✨ The turning point - and support resource - that finally helped her break free

We hear about the science behind addiction, the myths we’ve absorbed about alcohol (and just assumed as truths), and the role of childhood trauma.

And we also dig into the uncomfortable realities about alcohol culture in the workplace; especially in high-performing industries like advertising, law, media and finance.

What are the hidden costs? Who’s being excluded? And what does this mean for inclusion, performance, and wellbeing?

But this isn’t a story of defeat. It’s a story of freedom.

Tabbin didn’t just find her way out, she now helps others do the same. Her tools, insights and compassion light a new path forward for anyone ready to question their relationship with alcohol, or support someone they love who might be struggling.

Whether you drink or don’t, whether you lead teams or simply work within one, this episode will leave you thinking differently.

So grab that favourite beverage, or put on those running shoes, and here is Tabbin.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

To access further resources, tools, and Tabbin’s book check out: bottlinguptrouble.com

Learn more about how to get help if you're struggling with alcohol or know someone that is at: thisnakedmind.com

What if the very system we trust to build our future is the reason we feel so lost today?

What if the next revolution in business isn't about growth or profit, but instead about remembering what it means to be human?

What if marketing could save capitalism?

Welcome to episode 107 of TIE Unearthed, where I sit down with the extraordinary Elsie Maio; Wall Street veteran, McKinsey alum, and creator of the SoulBranding℠ System.

For decades, Elsie has helped top executives navigate billion-dollar decisions with one eye on the market and the other on humanity.

But this episode is about much more than business.

It’s about myths. Those we’ve inherited and the ones we urgently need to write.

It’s about the soul of leadership, the power of asking beautiful questions, and the deep systems work required to shift from ego-driven capitalism to inclusive wellbeing.

In our conversation, we cover:

🔸 Elsie's journey, from reading Greek mythology at age 9 to counseling Fortune 50 boardrooms in the ‘80s

🔸 Her time at McKinsey, where she first saw how power really works, and who gets to wield it

🔸 The rise of corporate identity and purpose before it was cool

🔸 What it meant to be one of the few women senior executives in corporate America back then, and how it shaped her

🔸 The cracks in our institutions and the myth of the American Dream

We also confront what’s at stake if we keep feeding the beast of “casino capitalism”, especially with AI now behind the wheel.

Elsie brings in the two faced Roman god Janus - looking both backward and forward - as a powerful metaphor for this pivotal moment in history.

And she leaves us with a question. One that just might be the most important question we can ask ourselves today.

Because, as Elsie says, beautiful questions lead to beautiful minds. And when those minds are activated inside the right systems - systems that honour our shared humanity - they have the power to change everything.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

🌐 Learn more about Elsie and the SoulBranding℠ System: https://www.soulbranding.com

Check out beautiful questions create beautiful minds by John O’Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher here: https://www.johnodonohue.com/

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel?

It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets.

But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take root.

And more importantly - what can we do about it?

This week on TIE Unearthed, I speak with my long-time friend Christina Hartman - powerhouse in the world of democracy, both at home in the U.S. and internationally. She’s worked with the likes of Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute, led multi-million dollar international programs, run for Congress and for Pennsylvania Auditor General, and raised millions for nonprofits.

But today, she brings a warning: democracy in one of the world’s most influential nations is under threat, and many don’t even realise how far it’s already gone.

In this conversation, we explore:

🔹 Christina’s incredible journey from international development to American politics

🔹 The slow path to authoritarianism and how it really happens

🔹 Why voters are disillusioned, and what it’ll take to rebuild trust

🔹 The power of community, civic engagement, and what you can do to make democracy deliver.

We talk about Project 2025, April’s protests, the media’s role, the idea of seeding power, and the terrifying vacuum left when America steps back from global leadership.

This episode is a wake-up call.

But it’s also a rallying cry.

Because if we want systems that serve people - not power - we have to show up. Together.

🎧 Tune in now to episode 106 of TIE Unearthed for an insight to what is happening right now in the US, and what we can all do about it.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

What do you do when the storm hits?

Do you cling to what was—or boldly redefine what could be?

Caspar Craven knows what it means to navigate the unknown.

He’s sailed around the world. Twice. Once in a gruelling yacht race as team leader. And again—just a few years later—with his wife and three young kids under 10.

But he’s not just an adventurer. He worked at KPMG, is also a serial entrepreneur, a former CFO, and a leading voice on what it really takes to achieve Big Bold Goals—not through spreadsheets and pressure, but through people, purpose, and the power of bold conversations.

Welcome to episode 105 of TIE Unearthed.

In this episode, Caspar joins me to talk about the deeply human side of leadership.

We explore how constraints—whether in the middle of the ocean or in the boardroom—unlock creativity and resilience.

Why real leadership means getting out of the comfort zone and going deep.

And how our identity, fear of failure, and unwillingness to have uncomfortable conversations are often the biggest barriers to change.

Caspar shares what happened when he led a team with a “drive hard, win fast” approach—and how it ended in burnout and dysfunction.

And he explains why it’s not enough to aim for results—you need to create a culture where people feel valued, understood, and safe to contribute.

We talk emotions. Vision. Reinvention. AI. And how the best leaders aren’t afraid to rethink the rules—and lead from a place of depth, not just direction.

So if you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to lead when the path isn’t clear, this one is for you.

👉 Tune in, and ask yourself:

What bold conversation are you avoiding?

And what might be possible if you had it?

🎧 So grab that favourite beverage, or throw on those running shoes, and get inspired by Caspar.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

If you'd like to learn more about Caspar, check out his site [here]

AI is changing everything. But are we losing something essential in the process?

Imagine this: You ask a chatbot how its weekend was. It responds in a way that feels human—but does it really understand?

Now, picture a doctor second-guessing their diagnosis. One moment, it's X. Then maybe it's Y. Then back to X again. That’s what AI is like right now—impressive, yes, but also flawed, inconsistent, and not always reliable.

Welcome to episode 104 of TIE Unearthed. Today I’m joined by the brilliant Nathalie Nahai—bestselling author, keynote speaker, artist, psychologist, and advisor whose expertise lies at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behaviour.

Together we dive into the profound impact AI is having on our creativity, decision-making, and even our sense of connection.

In this episode we explore:

🔹 The dangers of synthetic intimacy—when AI mimics human empathy but lacks a moral compass

🔹 The cognitive risks of outsourcing too much thinking to AI—are we weakening our own abilities?

🔹 How we can harness AI’s potential without losing what makes us human

🔹 The skills we need to thrive—critical thinking, resilience, creativity—to thrive in an AI-driven world

AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s humans who bring imagination, intuition, and meaning to the table.

If you’re wondering how to navigate this fast-changing world while staying true to what makes us us—this episode is for you.

So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Nathalie.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

Check out Nathalie’s resources mentioned in the episode here:

https://www.nathalienahai.com/ai-resources/

Also, check out Nathalie's websites here:

Salons: https://www.ffsalons.com/

Art: https://www.nathalienahai.art/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-conversation-with-nathalie-nahai/id1387510537

"We don’t have time to be kind—we need to make money."

This is what Raphael Cohen heard when he first started teaching leadership.

Fast forward, and he’s now proving the opposite: If you want profitability, you need engagement. And if you want engagement, you need fairness and kindness. In fact, engaged teams can boost performance by 35%.

So why are so many leaders still getting it wrong?

That’s exactly what we dive into in this episode of TIE Unearthed.

Raphael is a serial entrepreneur, professor, business angel, and expert in executive education. He taught entrepreneurship at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and later created the first MBA in entrepreneurship in Switzerland. His focus is teaching leaders how to spot opportunities, drive innovation, and create high-performing teams.

We explore:

💡 The biggest blocker of innovation (hint: it’s not a lack of ideas)

💡 The key to seizing the right opportunities—and avoiding the wrong ones

💡 Why psychological safety is essential for engagement

💡 Two human skills that AI will never replace

💡 How his decision tree of critical questions became an ISO standard for managing ideas

And of course, we talk about the power of being fair and caring for others in leadership—not as a feel-good ideal, but as a business necessity.

If you’re a leader (or an aspiring one), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

🔗 Check out Raphael’s free engagement tool here: [EazyMirror.com]

🔗 Check out IpOp Tools here: [https://ipoptools.com]

🚀 What does it take to navigate high-stakes moments in leadership and emerge stronger, more impactful, and truly aligned with your values?

Some leaders wait for the right moment. Others create it.

In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Sally Henderson—an in-demand high-stakes leadership mentor who helps senior executives and C-suite leaders thrive in moments of challenge, complexity, and opportunity.

Sally’s journey is as bold as her approach. A proud Northerner with a straight-talking, no-fluff philosophy, she started in recruitment, building a successful agency from the ground up. But when she found herself coaching leaders through transitions, only to see them flounder post-recruitment, she realized where she could make the biggest impact. So, she took the leap, left the security of her business behind, and built her own global high-stakes leadership practice.

Now, through her REAL Method™, Sally equips leaders with the fundamental principles they need to master how they lead—not just what they do. And in this conversation, we dive deep into:

✅ The moment she realized she was stuck—and the unconventional way she broke free

✅ Why even the most senior leaders struggle to define their role—and how to fix it

✅ A simple brain hack to make your goals a reality

✅ The five crucial steps to set yourself up for success in leadership

This episode is packed with insight, real talk, and game-changing strategies for anyone navigating leadership in uncertain times.

So, grab your favourite beverage or hit play on your next run—you won’t want to miss this one. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[⁠here⁠⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international bestselling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠⁠[here⁠⁠⁠].

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed stability, certainty, control—was actually holding you back?

In today’s world, the leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who stick to the plan; they’re the ones who know how to adapt, inspire, and drive real change.

In this episode, I sit down with Fernanda Lopes Larsen, Executive Vice President at Yara International, a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions, to explore what leadership truly means when the stakes are high, and uncertainty is the only constant.

Born and raised in Brazil, Fernanda’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and an unrelenting commitment to breaking barriers. From FMCG to agribusiness, from Brazil to Austria to Singapore—her path wasn’t planned, but it was driven by a refusal to settle for what was expected.

And that mindset has served her well. Leading a vast region across Africa, Asia, and Oceania, she has had to navigate everything from global pandemics to political upheaval—all while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a business imperative, not a 'nice to have.'

We talk about:

🔹 Why diversity isn’t just morally right—it’s critical for business success.

🔹 How the murder of George Floyd catalysed one of Scandinavia’s only Black talent programs.

🔹 The leadership traits that matter most in times of crisis—agility, curiosity, and courage.

🔹 Why leaders must be willing to stand alone, have tough conversations, and push forward even when change isn’t yet profitable.

As we enter a world where DEI mandates are being questioned and the challenges of leadership are greater than ever, this conversation is essential listening.

And begs the question: are we cultivating the kind of leaders we need for the future?

So, throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and let’s get stuck in. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order my international best selling book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee?

To celebrate the 100th episode of TIE Unearthed, the tables have turned! In this special milestone episode, Philippa is joined by her friend Juliana Xavier, who takes the lead in a heartfelt and fascinating conversation about Philippa’s extraordinary journey—from her upbringing across South Africa, Canada, Thailand, UK, and Brazil, to founding TIE.

Philippa reflects on her family’s profound influence, including her father’s work as a specialist anesthesiologist and her uncle’s role as one of Nelson Mandela’s physicians. While her family focused on helping people through medicine, Philippa charted her own path, first in advertising and later as the founder of TIE, driven by a passion for helping professionals break out of their monotonous routines and develop skills that create a more sustainable private sector—and a better world.

But that’s not all—Juliana has gathered reflections and questions from Philippa’s friends, colleagues, and participants in TIE’s transformative programs, including former podcast guests. Their insights and memories add a rich, personal dimension to this milestone celebration.

✨ What you’ll discover in this conversation:

This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and heartfelt stories that celebrate 100 episodes of making a difference—and the incredible woman at the heart of it all.

So, grab a cuppa or take us along on your walk, and get ready to meet the person behind the mic like never before. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts, leave a review, and subscribe! Here’s to 100 episodes of TIE Unearthed—and to many more. 🥂

What if work didn’t feel like… work?

Imagine a workday that energises you instead of draining you.

A career where intention, joy, and purpose lead the way.

In this week’s episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Beth Stallwood—coach, author, and founder of Create WorkJoy—to dive into how to transform your relationship with work.

From her childhood days starring in a Heinz ketchup commercial (yes, really!) to creating a purpose-driven business, Beth’s journey is both inspiring and relatable. In this conversation, she shares her wisdom and practical tools to help you: ✨ Infuse joy into your work through small, actionable steps—no perfection required. ✨ Shift from negativity to intentionality and transform your mindset. ✨ Reflect on where you are, where you want to be, and how to bridge the gap. ✨ Escape chronic WorkGloom using Beth’s powerful 3 P’s framework.

This isn’t just about work—it’s about living your life with intention, unlocking progress over perfection, and reclaiming joy in what you do.

Grab your favorite beverage or take us along on your walk, and let’s dive into WorkJoy together. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

What does it take to lead in a world where connection and belonging are shifting before our eyes?

How do leaders need to adapt to a workforce that’s increasingly hybrid, and where the next generation of talent expects so much more?

I’m thrilled to reconnect with Susy Martins, a friend from university and an inspiring leader with a career that has spanned over 20 countries and some of the biggest names in business, from GE to Clearco.

Susy’s journey from corporate powerhouses to founding her own HR consultancy is packed with valuable insights for today’s evolving workplace.

Together, we explore Susy’s transition from leading large teams with million-dollar budgets to building her own business.

We talk about the new paradigm of “conscious unbossing” and how it’s shaping future leadership.

She shares eye-opening stats on connection and belonging in remote work—and why it’s a wake-up call for leaders.

We hear how organizational network mapping is revealing hidden insights about engagement. And then the shifts in leadership the next generation demands—and how we can adapt.

And Susy shares her key to success and a simple yet transformative framework that’s shaped her career.

If you want to foster a more connected, engaged, and agile workforce, this episode is for you. Grab your favourite drink, lace up those running shoes, and here is Susy!

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

How does connecting with the real world connect us to our unconscious mind?

Why is learning to harness our intuition considered one of the greatest superpowers at our disposal?

And in what way is intuition both scientifically proven and deeply spiritual?

Today, we’re exploring the hidden power of intuition—a concept often regarded as mysterious or “woo-woo,” yet grounded in a wisdom that transcends the rational.

My guest, Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, is an Icelandic author, filmmaker, and leading voice in sustainability who has shaped her life and career across diverse fields, sparking change through her unique blend of insights.

Hrund’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From community-driven post-conflict reconstruction work in Kosovo to confronting burnout in the UN, she has navigated intense experiences that ultimately led her to embrace intuition and purposeful connection as guiding forces.

Today, she’ll share practical ways to tap into your own intuition—and why sometimes we need to tune into a different rhythm to find our way forward.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why intuition is a powerful tool for navigating our fast-paced, complex world.

If you’ve ever wondered how intuition fits into our modern, data-driven lives or how it might be the secret to both personal fulfilment and groundbreaking innovation, this episode is for you.

So, wherever you are, let’s delve into this fascinating conversation with Hrund and uncover the transformative power of intuition.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

And to reach out to Hrund, you can find her here:

Website - www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com

InnSæi with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir - Newsletter https://substack.com/@hrund

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir

And here is Hrund's TED talk - go.ted.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir

For most of us, AI became an everyday reality when ChatGPT hit the scene in November 2022. But Joe Fennell, my guest on this week’s TIE Unearthed podcast, has been wrestling with AI’s challenges and opportunities long before that.

In today's episode we dive deep into AI ethics, exploring questions like:

Can AI be a force for good?

How do we prevent it from widening global inequalities?

And what guardrails are crucial to keep our world safe?

Joe’s journey began when he realised that AI was going to transform the future—he even changed career plans from law to philosophy of AI and ethics. Now, he’s just graduated from the University of Cambridge’s first-ever Mphil cohort studying the 'Ethics of AI, Data, and Algorithms.'

We talk about everything from AI's role in global power dynamics, to fuzzy robots helping kids learn, and even how AI might reshape healthcare.

Plus, we dig into Joe's work with the UN Mission in Kosovo, using AI to empower young people and keep them safe from scams and threats in the digital world.

This is one of the most thought-provoking conversations I’ve had. If you're curious about how AI can be used as a social catalyst, how it might impact society at large—or what you should specifically be worried about—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now to Episode 96 of TIE Unearthed.

If you’d like to get in touch with Joe, you can find him here joe.fennell@thegrowthhouse.co.uk or here joefennell.com

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that [⁠⁠here⁠⁠.]

What does it mean to align purpose with business, and why is artisanal mining key to a sustainable future?

In today’s TIE Unearthed episode, we’re joined by Rob Karpati, a leader whose impressive career in global finance took a purposeful turn toward driving social impact.

As a partner at The Blended Capital Group, Rob is on a mission to reshape artisanal mining—an industry that plays a critical role in the global energy transition.

We’ll explore how artisanal mining, which accounts for 20% of the world’s gold and significant portions of essential minerals, can be formalised to improve not just environmental outcomes, but also the dignity and livelihoods of millions in underdeveloped regions.

Rob takes us through the collaborative opportunities between artisanal miners and larger industries, the potential for building trust with communities, and why professionalizing this sector is the future of sustainable business.

From human rights to climate change, Rob reminds us that business is, at its core, about people. He shares how his own journey from corporate finance to championing responsible mining was driven by the belief that creating social value isn’t charity—it’s a competitive advantage.

Tune in for a deep dive into the future of mining, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and why real impact starts with human connection.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Meritocracy would be a nice idea, but there is no evidence that leadership selection is meritocratic.

We live in a world where men succeed because of their incompetence, and women fail because of their competence.

So, what does progress look like?

It is not about making it easy for competent women to succeed.

Instead, progress is making it harder for incompetent men to succeed in the first place.

If you would like to understand how the word authenticity has been weaponised in mainstream discussions.

Why you should not be yourself.

And the reason gender diversity in business isn’t for the benefit of women – then you really do need to listen to this episode with Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic.

Tomas is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, co-founder of deepersignals.com, and an associate at Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Finance Lab.

And he is the author of 12 books – which includes Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and How to Fix It).

This is a conversation that turns so much conventional thinking on its head. My favourite type of conversation!

So if you’re keen to understand how not to lead to the economic decline of your company, this thinking will probably be helpful.

So throw on those running shoes or find that favourite beverage, and here is Tomas.

If you’d like to find out more about Tomas’ books and check out his TED talk, you can here:

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠[here⁠⁠].

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that [⁠⁠here]⁠⁠.

Ever wondered about the unseen struggles that young girls face around the world when it comes to menstruation, especially in remote areas? 🌍

In this eye-opening episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Sia Towo, the Managing Director of Femme International in Tanzania, to delve deep into the challenges around culture and periods.

Sia, with nearly eight years of experience working on grassroots initiatives across East Africa, sheds light on the harsh realities that many young girls endure due to lack of education and cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation.

From the remote villages where girls are left uninformed about puberty, to the heartbreaking truth of young girls being forced into early marriage simply because they've started menstruating, Sia paints a vivid picture of the challenges they face. We discuss how these deeply ingrained cultural practices need to be rethought, especially when they infringe upon basic human rights.

But it’s not just about the challenges—Sia shares stories of resilience and progress, highlighting the tangible impact that education and access to menstrual products can have on a girl’s life.

And then, what is a crucial part of the solution to change. It’s not what you would expect.

So, whether you’re commuting, sipping your morning coffee, or winding down for the day, tune in to hear Sia’s powerful insights and learn how we can all play a part in breaking down these barriers.

👉 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode, leave a review, and subscribe!

If you'd like to stay updated on future episodes and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠⁠here.

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

And if you would like to learn more about Femme International, click here.

We know people-first companies are more competitive. BUT, for that to be possible, we need the L&D bods to be confident, have a voice, and have a place at the table.

This is the KEY to ensure that the culture of companies is heading in the right direction.

So, who is getting the L&D people ready for the C-suit conversations? 🤔

Today I’m speaking with my friend Cathy Hoy, a seasoned learning leader with over two decades of experience in Learning and Organisational Development.

After working for big corporates like Tesco, Coke, and Expedia, Cathy co-founded and now runs CLO100, which focuses on developing those who develop others.

CLO100 provides Community Membership and the Learning Leaders Programme, a programme dedicated to the development of L&D leaders, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to create high-performing learning organisations. 🏆

In this episode Cathy highlights the power of learning from failures, creating safe communities for support, and the importance of well-being in the workplace.

Her experience in transforming the culture of a 500k-strong workforce at Tesco offers incredible insights into making behavioural changes part of an organization’s DNA.

And don’t miss her tips on combatting low trust, high absenteeism, and disengagement in today’s business world.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is my friend Cathy.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here⁠.

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

If you’d like to check out CLO100, the home of learning leaders, you can here.

And to watch Cathy Hoy's recommended TED Talk (mentioned in the episode) you can here: The Happy Secret to Better Work by Shawn Achor

I love mining companies – said no one, ever. This is a problem, right?

These essential minerals have a critical role in the energy transition; but we don’t want them mined. And few people, as a result of this negative image, want to go into the industry.

How is it ever going to evolve and be more sustainable?

This is the conundrum we are talking about on today’s episode of TIE Unearthed. I am joined by Dr. Haydon Mort, a British Earth Scientist with over 15 years of research and lecturing experience, and the visionary founder of Geologize Ltd. With a PhD from Switzerland and a post-doc from the Netherlands, Haydon leads a globally acclaimed training program that reaches over 200,000 scientists.

In this episode, Haydon emphasises the critical role of effective communication in the geosciences, underscoring how humanity and empathy can drive understanding and responsible behaviour in our increasingly interconnected world.

We explore how his deep dive into neurology led to innovative teaching methods, making his university lectures wildly popular. And now, as a trainer for geoscientists and engineers, why he champions the integration of empathy and psychological insights to engage the public effectively.

So, throw on those running shoes or find that favourite beverage, and join us as we uncover how personal journeys shape professional paths and the transformative power of diverse perspectives in science and beyond.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here⁠.

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

Keen to find out more about Haydon and his work?

You can find the Geologize website here:

And email haydon here: haydon@geologize.org

Welcome to Episode 90 of the TIE Unearthed podcast!

Today, I’m thrilled to feature Oliver Banks, an expert consultant who works with senior leaders to transform retail and consumer-facing businesses.

Ollie's career began with designing intricate systems in engineering, driven by a childhood curiosity for how things work. Seeking a more dynamic and people-focused role, he pivoted to retail with Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket.

Now, as a consultant, he advises on navigating transformation and the ever-evolving world of retail.

In this episode, we explore what true transformation means and why a human-centric approach is crucial in retail.

Ollie shares his thoughts on the industry’s responsibility to cultivate future leaders, hybrid working, and the delicate decisions of company policies when considering variables such collaboration, trust, and mental health.

We also discuss leadership, engagement, and the power of courage, with Ollie reading an excerpt from his book.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice for anyone interested in transformation and leadership.

Join us as we uncover the mosaic of Oliver Banks' career and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Let's dive in!

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here⁠.

If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

If you would like to order Driving Retail Transformation, you can do that here.

Many of us wrestle with self-doubt. Whether it leaves us exhausted by over-preparing for things, or feeling frustrated and unfulfilled because it's holding us back. Join me on this episode of TIE Unearthed as I engage in a conversation with Julie Smith, the bestselling author of 'Coach Yourself Confident.' Julie's journey from corporate life at Mars and PepsiCo to founding Talent Sprout is truly inspiring. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the motivations behind Julie's focus on confidence in her book, exploring its complexities and how it evolves. We also uncover the often-overlooked pitfalls of over-preparation and overwork driven by self-doubt. Julie generously shares invaluable tips for mastering presentations, navigating the "self-doubt tax”, as she calls it, and then vividly depicts her own journey of writing the book. As we wrap up, Julie leaves us with a poignant quote on confidence saboteurs, emphasising the importance of embracing authenticity and staying true to ourselves. Expect insightful reflections, practical advice and some stories to bring all of this to life. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Julie. Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe. If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here⁠. If you would like to order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠. And if you would like to order Coach Yourself Confident, you can do that here.

In an industry often dominated by relentless pursuit of profit and growth, Coffee and TV charts a different course, prioritising a deep-seated belief in the power of nurturing a supportive, family-like environment.

Since its inception, this unique company has steadfastly refused to follow the conventional path laid out by corporations driven by financial metrics, choosing instead to grow at a pace dictated by artists and creative minds.

And the result?

Not only being a highly sought after creative studio to work at, but also being a profitable multi-million pound b-corp business.

What is their secret sauce?

Today Derek Moore, CEO of Coffee and TV, tells us.

We learn about their commitment to being a force for good and how they have created an electrifying atmosphere that transcends the traditional employer-employee dynamic, leading to ground-breaking creativity and innovation.

So throw on those running shoes, or find that favourite beverage, and here is Derek.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

Here are the ads he refers to on the podcast:

https://coffeeand.tv/work/no-room-for-racism/

https://coffeeand.tv/work/spring-2024/

https://coffeeand.tv/work/meta-for-work/

Did you know that 90% of the world’s money is controlled and invested by white men?

Did you also know that when women are at the table, investment returns are proven to be higher?

This is a conversation that will bring to life how portfolios can predictably outperform the market.

It also shines a spotlight on a truly broken system.

Recognising the stark disconnect between philanthropic grant dollars and how the rest of foundation assets are invested, Ruth Shaber wanted to do things differently with the Tara Health Foundation.

Their bold intention was to utilise all capital, not just grant money, towards driving their social purpose of improving the lives of women and girls.

This was about being 100% mission aligned.

BUT, this was just the beginning of this journey. What they discovered next was not only fascinating, but game changing.

It was also the catalyst to Ruth co-writing The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk.

Ruth Shaber is the founder and president of Tara Health Foundation, a philanthropic investment group that uses evidence-informed programs to promote women's well-being and opportunities.

She is also on a mission to increase the assets managed by gender-diverse and racially-diverse teams to 33 percent by 2033.

Today we hear about all of this.

It's a conversation packed full of proof points, stats and solid arguments that gender-diverse teams significantly outperform the market – predictably.

If you invest money – then you need to listen to this episode.

What was once considered radical is now a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab your favourite beverage, and here is Ruth.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter ⁠here

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

If you would like to buy Ruth’s book The XX Edge, you can do that ⁠here⁠.

For more insights into Ruth Shaber’s work and the Tara Health Foundation, you can visit their website here.

This is a story that starts with a rogue trader.

And then moves to what happens when you truly empathise with the other side of an equation.

Today I speak with Christian Hunt, the founder of Human Risk, a Behavioural Science led Consulting and Training Firm, specialising in the fields of Ethics and Compliance. And Author of Humanizing Rules.

After Christian started to “eat his regulatory cooking” after implementing it at the financial services firm UBS, his life took an interesting turn.

He started to focus entirely on people’s behaviour, on what makes them tick, and what gets them doing the things they shouldn’t, and neglect to do the things they should.

In this episode we talk about Danny Boyle and the Olympics, and how his opening show was a powerful example of how to get people to do things you want them to do.

Christian talks about how to get the best out of people.

We hear how the airline industry can teach us a lot about compliance.

And then Christian brings to life how the move from authoritarian leadership to a more empowering style of leadership, although the way forward, poses more organisational risk.

There is talk of the importance of experimenting, we hear where AI fits into all of this and the importance of thinking about the overall employee experience.

He then leaves us with not only his most important philosophy, but also two great songs that bring to life his thinking.

I promise you – this podcast about compliance is anything but boring. Even though it is rooted in one of the most boring subjects of all time! 😊

So throw on those running shoes, or grab your favourite beverage, and here is the very entertaining Christian.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

If you would like to buy Christian’s book Human Rules, you can do that here.

Here are the songs he references on the show:

Higher by The Saturdays

Spotify Link:

"I'm doing nothing 'Cause then at least I'm doing nothing wrong"

Elegantly Wasted by INXS

Spotify Link:

When someone has lived around the world as a young person, what sort of job do they go into as an adult?

And what happens when someone sees something that then impacts them on a visceral level?

Today I speak with Lucy McCray, CEO at the Freedom Story. The Freedom Story is an organization that works to prevent child trafficking in Northern Thailand.

As a child growing up, Lucy became very aware of inequality, the raw reality for people experiencing poverty, and how where someone is born can dictate one’s life path.

These realisations started to shape her life’s purpose.

She talks about her move to Thailand, where she started to understand what statelessness means, and the implications of someone not having citizenship in any country in the world.

We hear about the real reason for people being trafficked, what prevents trafficking from happening and how to prevent abuse and exploitation from taking place.

Lucy talks about pity-based marketing versus stories that are more dignified for everyone.

And then we move to the shocking truth of well-known brands who have been caught having child trafficking in their supply chains.

Lucy tells us about a brand-new form of trafficking, which when you hear it, will realise you are exposed to it almost daily.

And then how creating unlikely partnerships is providing a powerful anti-trafficking solution. It’s fascinating.

This conversation proves that together we are stronger. And by thinking out of the box and giving people agency, you can scale impact.

This is a podcast rooted in hope. Showing the power of purpose. And that when you tap into human assets, anything is possible.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Lucy.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Where should we first look to find solutions to a problem?

What is one of the most effective ways to unleash a person’s potential?

What happens when benchmarks disappear and new normals are created?

Today’s episode is going to show you just what is possible when the right conditions are created for people to thrive.

Barbara Soalheiro is the founder of Mesa Company and the creator of Mesa Method. Mesa is a team based work system designed to solve complex challenges by unleashing human potential to process more and execute faster.

We talk about the power of building a team based on having every bit of knowledge and skill needed to solve a specific problem. And then how time constraints being at the core of the team design make it possible for people to come up with extraordinary, paradigm changing, tangible solutions.

Barbara’s company, Mesa, is all about creating a new timespace where solutions to big problems are built. She tell us how it works, what's they've done, and why it's so powerful.

Why people need to work at a place where they feel they are always learning, as well as truly accomplishing something, for them to blossom.

And Barbara explains her vendetta against collaboration. As she says, “the more you focus on it, the less you get of it”.

This is all about real solutions. Changing paradigms. And not following any predesigned formulas.

The energy is electric on this episode, and I certainly left the conversation feeling ever more inspired to just get things done. I hope you feel that too.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Barbara.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

To learn more about Mesa Company click here.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

If you would like to learn more about TIE Leadership, check out our site here.

What is the power of giving someone a taste of possibility? 

How has the advertising industry been incentivised to make ads that shatter gender stereotypes?

And why is it so important to see your life and the world from a different perspective?

Today I talk with my friend Senta Slingerland, who used to be the Director of Brand Strategy at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, is the creator of See It Be It, a programme for the advancement of female creative leaders, and initiator of Cannes Chimera, a collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help NGOs receive creative mentorship.

We hear about her time with the Brazilian innovation company Mesa that solves big problems for companies such as Google, Coca-Cola and Samsung in only 5 days by putting big thinkers around a table who have the relevant skills and knowledge to find powerful solutions to things. 

She tells us of the time she worked with a cyborg – and how it got her seeing the world differently. 

And she talks of the work she’s doing as co-founder of FALA, a company that trades in purposeful inspiration and counts Coca-Cola, Yara International, Bloomberg, Accenture Song and Twitch as its clients.

Senta’s career has been focused on pushing people to see themselves and their jobs differently, and today’s conversation gets us seeing the power of changing perspectives.

We talk about ambition and what it means to different generations. 

She tells us what 83% of millennial and Gen Z’s admire in their bosses. 

And we hear about what happens when we give something language.

After listening to today’s episode you will feel as though you have taken your mind for a walk. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Senta. 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

What is the role of business in society?

How can people’s perception with that then impact their experience at work? 

How does it then impact how a business shows up when it relates to all of its stakeholders and its long-term success?

Today we do a deep dive into all of this with Sarah Gillard, using examples from her 27-year career in fast-paced commercial environments at some of the UK’s largest retail companies. 

In this milestone episode, Sarah Gillard talks about her time as Director of Purpose and Special Projects at the John Lewis Partnership where she was responsible for re-articulating and embedding the purpose of John Lewis so that it continues to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and strategic differentiation.

Sarah compares her time working with the Arcadia group, a UK retail network with a very intense focus on short-term shareholder profit, against her time with the John Lewis Partnership, which is the UK’s largest co-owned business. John Lewis has 70,000 people working for the company, and everyone are co-owners. 

We talk about how these different approaches to doing business then impact the experience inside an organisation and what that does to people, strategy and relationships with supplies and customers. 

We hear how John Lewis was a massive social experiment to see what happens when a business sees its role in society differently.

And we hear about the partnership’s journey over the past 100 years.

We then talk about Sarah’s current role as CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, a charity that helps businesses to be inspired and guided by a purpose that benefits society and respects people and planet. 

How does an organisation move from thinking of itself as a profit maximising machine to thinking of itself as a human system in service of society? 

And how does that transition happen?

Knowing that this is such a decisive decade, and that the role that business needs to play now is more important than ever to shape our future, we hear about how she is working with businesses to be a part of the solution. 

Sarah leaves us with two beautiful quotes which sum up this episode:

Antoine de Saint-Exupery:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the people to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea”.

Arthur Ashe:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

If you want to better understand the return on being more human, this episode is a must listen. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and enjoy this conversation with Sarah.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  

If you would like to pre-order my book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

What does it mean to create an environment for success at a company?  

How do companies often get it wrong?

What happens and what does that look like? 

Psychological safety is a key ingredient for businesses and teams to be able to improve, innovate and progress.

People need to feel free to speak honestly and feel supported enough to come up with new ideas; without that freedom, new innovative solutions and problem solving is less likely to happen. 

And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about today.

Dr Amanda Potter is an award-winning Chartered Psychologist, Leadership/ Executive Coach and a Certified Principal Business Psychologist with over 25 years' experience.

She has been working with C-suite and senior executives to enable them to drive strategic success – and today she shares her stories and knowledge of working in the area of talent strategy. We hear about her experience which is rooted in leadership in crisis, resilience, Psychological Safety and belonging.

Amanda will tell us about the neuroscience of resilience and positivity and how that impacts cultures at organisations.  

She'll let us in on some tips on how we can all just simply feel better.

And she tells us about the contributors to low psych safety, the watch outs, and what different types of organisations need to look out for.

I ask her for insights on the difference in the various cultures that her company works with, but also the difference between sectors. Amanda’s reflection on psych safety in a culture like the police force is really interesting. 

She then leaves us with some top tips on what to do to create more connection between team members - and you'll even get a great exercise that you can use for future team events.

Many of us know the importance of creating connection, trust and safe spaces to work - but knowing this is one thing. Being able to do it is another.

If you’re keen to dig deeper on all of this, please join me for this fascinating conversation with Amanda. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Dr Amanda Potter. 

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here.  

If you would like to pre-order my book Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

If you would like to listen to the Chief Psychology Officer Podcast by Dr Amanda Potter, you can listen here.

There is a problem in the communications and creative industries that few people are doing anything about. 

It has to do with a senior ceiling that marginalised communities face when it comes to senior roles. There is a drain of really talented people that are leaving because they just don’t see a path for their progression in these companies.

It not only doesn’t have to be that way, but business is worse off if this is allowed to happen.

Today, Nazia Du Bois, former Global Head of Rare with Google, is going to bring all of this to life for us.

Nazia is a multiple award-winning agency founder, creative strategy leader, and industry DEI champion. She most recently led Google's global DEI program, Rare with Google, aimed at raising diversity in the creative industries. Before that, she was Global Brand Strategy Director at Netflix, working on representation and global brand equity. 

Prior to going in-house, Nazia founded Ricebowl Strategy, which developed award-winning global brand positioning platforms for Spotify, Harry's and Popeyes amongst others. She was the founding global CSO of DAVID in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Miami, as well as founding Ogilvy's Islamic Branding practice.

Nazia has been named one of the top 5 most awarded planning directors in the world.

She is from Bangladesh and holds two degrees from Oxford.

Today you’ll hear stories from her time at Netflix and how being in LA when the social justice movement kicked off in the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd then paved the way to the next stage of her career. 

We hear about the strategies that Google used to create more creative diversity at senior leavels of the company, with a view to change the culture of the organisation.

Nazia shares some profound thinking from top thought leaders driving the inclusion revolution and what needs to happen to hold onto the senior talent from marginalised cultures.

And then tells us what she learned about diversity and inclusion from being part of the mass layoffs at Google in 2023. 

Nazia then leaves us with an important piece of advice that all of us can take to heart.

This episode will leave you with lots to ponder on, so throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Nazia. 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. 

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

Can you do good and still be successful? 

What is the true value of purpose?

How are huge UK companies in the financial services sector currently struggling from a talent retention and recruitment perspective and what is the answer?

 After a bit of a break, TIE Unearthed is back, and today I’m speaking with the first person that hired me when I moved to London in 2001, Chris Norman.

Chris is the Founder and CEO of GOOD Agency, a pioneer of brand Purpose and has worked for the last 28 years across the commercial, government and charity sectors helping them create value from the positive impact they have on the world. Chris was included in the 2019 Progress 1000 as one of the 25 most influential people in London in media and is a regular judge and panellist.

Chris’s breadth of experience is with the largest commercial and charity brands, and today we talk about how behaviours are the essence of any company, what it means to be human, and what happens when a company isn’t authentic.

We talk about GOOD being a B-corp, but why they haven’t been champions of the initiative until recently.

Chris tells us why they have become employee owned.

What a better world looks like and how we get there.

And we end with valuable learnings from Chris’ challenging journey.

I have found Chris’ story and that of GOOD fascinating, so much so I have captured it in my book, Return on Humanity,coming out in April of 2024. Here you get a sneak peek!

So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Chris.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. 

If you would like to pre-order Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the earth, you can do that here.

What does it look like to build a company that not only outlives you, but also makes you feel good in the process?

Can you make money and create a significantly positive impact on the planet at the same time?

What is the return on being more human?

Today I got to speak with Simon Rogerson, co-Founder and CEO of Octopus Group, a company that has invested $20 billion into many different companies in the last 23 years. He’s not only one of the sharpest and quickest minds I’ve had the pleasure to meet, but he’s also a really good guy. 

His mission is simple: to invest in the people, the ideas and the industries that will change the world.

Today he brings how he does this to life.

Simon explains why Octopus Group will never be publicly owned. 

He tells us the biggest lesson that he’s learned in 23 years of running Octopus.

Let’s us in on the key interview question he asks to reveal who people really are. 

And we get to hear two stories that bring to life the main two aspects of Octopus’ culture that make it possible for them to be an industry disruptor. 

I have always believed that business can be a force for good, although many companies aren’t built to make it that right now. Simon brings to life how this is possible through his approach to business, and the inspiring work they are doing. 

I adored this conversation – I think you’ll catch that from the energy. There is so much here. 

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Simon.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. ⁠http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter⁠

How is the law firm that took on the UK government with Article 50 and took on the Royal Family as Princess Diana’s divorce attorneys so successful?

Is it because of their high-profile cases or is there another secret ingredient?

I was keen to find out.

So today, Elliot Moss, Partner and Chief Brand Officer at Mishcon, and Patrick Connolly, Director of the Mischon de Reya Academy, let us in on their secret. 

I wanted to understand what sets the law firm apart from their competitors.

How do they attract and retain such incredible talent?

And what makes them top of their class?

We talk about the key progressive values of the company and why they are so important.

We hear about the type of person that chooses to work there.

And a few of their impressive initiatives that have become an important part of the company.

Elliot and Patrick’s responses say a lot about the firm, and there is one thing that connects all of their answers: It’s their human centric strategy. 

Today we bring this to life.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Patrick and Elliot.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter⁠⁠

Can you have purpose driven organizations without purpose driven leaders? 

What does it feel like to be in service of something bigger than us? 

And should it really come down to tax status to decide if people, or companies, are going to make a difference in the world?

These are just some of the questions that get answered in today’s episode with Jon Duschinsky. 

Jon is a global thought leader, social innovator and champion of Business for Good.  

He inspires future-thinking leaders to Make More Money by Doing More Good, accelerating their innovation, social and environmental impact and talent retention. He has advised clients in over 60 countries, including companies like Airbus, NASCAR, and Prudential as well as the Governments of Germany, the US, France and the UAE. And he's coached hundreds of leaders and future leaders, written two books and lectures regularly at universities around the world.

We talk about why unlocking your personal purpose and your corporate purpose is so important.

Jon talks about our conditioned behavior patterns, and how they don’t serve us. 

And the return on leaning into purpose - both as a company and as an individual. 

There is so much here. 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Jon.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

If you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

And you can also reach Jon on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonduschinsky/

Is it possible to be a profitable and rapidly growing business and still put people first?

What makes a company an incredible place to work?

And what is the return on being a human centric company and a human centric leader?

As many of you know, I’m in the final stages of writing my book Return on Humanity: The unexpected benefits of being more human in life and business.

I’ve been speaking with people from various sectors and businesses around the world to confirm my hypothesis. And I’m happy to say, until now, it hasn’t been challenged.

But this conversation with Sam Theobald doesn’t just confirm the hypothesis. Her entire career has been focused on it. And this podcast brings the real quantifiable benefits and examples to life. It is such an incredible conversation.

Sam is an HR professional with over 20 years’ experience working with entrepreneurial leaders, bringing a strong commercial edge to the HR function, and championing a “people first” approach to business.

Sam’s current role at Next 15 spans multi-markets and provides strategic guidance to HR teams within subsidiaries across the group, as well as working closely to counsel businesses so they understand the value of great people practices and human centric leadership in high growth organisations.

She explains how it’s possible to have a commercial focus and still put people first. 

She talks about the power of self-awareness. And what it means in the context of her work.

And the details of what it actually means to have a human centric approach to business. 

Essentially, if you want to be able to attract great people and get the best out of them, you can’t miss this podcast. 

This conversation was electric. I promise you’ll enjoy the energy! We were both buzzing afterwards. 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Sam.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

What is success?

Really, if you stop to think about it. What does it mean in the whole scheme of things?

We all know how easy it is to get sidetracked in life to what we think a successful life is. 

But what happens if you reflect on when you feel fulfilled? What does that look like? Is it the same as what you imagined the definition of success to be?

Today I am speaking with Erik Fernholm, co founder of The Inner Development Goals, a global framework defining the skills needed for us to reach the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. And 29k.org, the world's first free platform for practicing self-leadership, mental health, and inner development through evidence-based programs which has measurably transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people.

Today we ask some big questions.

What is the root of unsustainability?

When do we feel happiness and connection?

And what needs to happen to build a more sustainable society?

We talk about the power of shared experience and common humanity. 

Corporate metrics. 

And we end on the Nordic Secret. If you haven’t heard about it already, you need to. It’s the future, and how I end my up-and-coming book. 

I could have talked to Erik for hours. And when you listen in, you’ll understand why. There is so much overlap with what we are both doing. 

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Erik.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Progress. Surely a sign of progress is that you make things cheaper, faster, and more efficient, while keeping the level of quality at least the same. If not better. But I think we can all agree things don’t seem to be heading in that direction when it comes to life as a customer.

Would you say that the customer experience over the last 20 years has gotten better? I think we all agree the answer is no.

But is that acceptable? If things aren’t working for customers, and not working for colleagues, perhaps it’s important to find another way? And that’s exactly what John Sills, Managing Partner at the customer-led growth company, The Foundation, talks to us about today.

25 years ago, he started his career on a market stall in Essex, and since then has worked in and with companies around the world to make things better for customers.

He’s been in front-line teams delivering the experience, innovation teams designing the propositions, and global HQ teams creating the strategy. He's been a bank manager during the financial crisis (not fun), launched a mobile app to millions of people (very fun), and regularly visits strangers’ houses to ask very personal questions (incredible fun).

He now works with companies across industries and around the world, and before joining The Foundation spent twelve years at HSBC, latterly as Head of Customer Innovation.

And he’s just published a book on the topic - The Human Experience. We talk about the importance of human-centric behaviours to create more efficient companies. The power of an outside-in perspective. And in short, how to make life better for customers. Which then creates a better business - on all fronts. This is a super fun, funny, human, and incredibly important conversation.

So grab that favourite beverage, or throw on those running shoes, and here is John.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

What are the logistical financial challenges that a bereaved spouse faces when their loved one passes away?

Is it possible for a bank to help someone who has dementia feel safe?

What are the worries that people who are living with cancer have when it comes to their life-insurance policy?

These are just a handful of the human concerns that people around the UK have voiced when it comes to their finances. And concerns that can be answered when companies are willing to listen.

Jan and his team at Three Hands makes that listening and human interaction possible.

Jan Levy is the MD of Three Hands, a small socially minded business that sets out to create business value and social value, hand in hand.

Sitting in the space between businesses and non-profits, Three Hands develops leaders through projects in communities, helps businesses create and run high impact social impact activities and, increasingly, brings the voice of charities, and the ‘lived experts’ they support, into businesses.

As companies move closer to the digital world and become more disconnected from society, Three Hands is helping to fill the void through social insights.

Working with companies to create more connection with the services they need to offer. And the desire that customers have, to deal with humans.

We talk about the power of opening channels of curiosity and understanding different parts of society.

Jan explains what it means for business to be a part of society.

And what happens when you create empathy between two sets of people or two organisations.

Today Jan will bring all of this to life.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Jan.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

What value do we lose when economics reduces communities to markets?

How can investors not just be seen as check books?

And if suppliers are not just simply seen as delivering to a contract, what else could that relationship look like?

Today Paul answers some big questions. All rooted in shifting the stories that we live and work by.

Paul Skinner is the author of The Purpose Upgrade: Change your Business to Save the World. Change the World to Save your Business. He’s also the author of Collaborative Advantage: How Collaboration Beats Competition as a Strategy for Success.Through his consulting practice The Agency of the Future, Paul helps clients to drive purpose-led change and better mobilise stakeholders for lasting success. And he also founded MarketingKind, a non-profit professional membership community that brings business leaders, marketers and change-makers together to address our most pressing problems.

Today Paul explains how collaborative advantage is a radical alternative to competitive advantage.

We talk about what a purpose upgrade is and why we need to elevate purpose now more than ever.

And Paul gives us a beautifully articulated solution to substantially increasing the ceiling for success for any enterprise. And it’s easier than you think.

We talk about economics.

Why only focusing on profit isn’t good for business.

And how purpose can be our most adaptive capacity as humans.

Paul then finishes by explaining how we can avoid being puppets of our prior intentionality and instead the true authors of our own future change.

You don’t want to miss this conversation.

So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Paul.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

You can also grab a copy of his book, The Purpose Upgrade, here.

Imagine waking up in hospital discovering you have not only broken your spine and will never walk again.

But then learning that you are also pregnant.

When Faustina was about to start university in Tanzania in the year 2000, this was what she was facing.

And today you will hear her story.

Faustina Urassa is a spinal cord injury thriver, and founder and Executive Director at Songambele Initiative Organisation.

Being a woman in Africa isn’t easy.

And Faustina saw being a disabled woman in Africa as a death sentence.

This is a story of a woman who not only came from a challenging experience, but one who refused to accept the status quo on all fronts and thrived as a result.

Today we hear about the challenges she faced in the early years. No one in her family, including her, knew what a spinal cord injury was, let alone what it meant for her life moving forward.

There wasn’t clear information on how someone with a spinal cord injury could safely deliver a baby. Would her disability compromise the health of her child?

Was it even possible for her to ever be independent again?

Faustina takes us on a journey from a spinal cord injury victim to a spinal cord injury thriver.

We hear about how her life changed when she met others going through similar situations as her.

She tells us about the power of self-awareness and self-acceptance.

And the power and importance of community.

Which all lead to why she founded Songambele.

We hear about what life looks like for people once they have come into contact with Songambele and the power that is Faustina.

This is one inspirational story. So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

And if you want to support Songambele, you can reach them here https://www.songambele.org/) and donation here (https://www.songambele.org/donate-1)

Phenomenal A list talent causing a wave of destruction at a company.

We’ve all seen that person.

We may even be, or have been, that person.

But what is the reason for it?

Sarah tells us it’s when Talent has “misplaced genius”.

And she is essentially the red telephone for capital T talent.

Sarah Watson is an Executive Coach that helps bring leaders to their greatness.

She used to run the Global Strategy department for the global ad agency BBH, and whilst doing that, and being the chairman of the New York agency, she unearthed her calling. Having worked on brands for years and helping them find their soul, she realised that’s what she needs to do – but for people.

Today Sarah is going to talk to us about why monasteries exist.

Her love of language and poetry and how this finds its way into her work.

Sarah tells us how she helps people drop into a different presence and a different part of themselves that is deeper than the one they thought they had constructed.

And what happens when they do that.

She talks about the emergent journey.

And how people are conditioned out of their power.

And she ends on God’s Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins. And her articulation of how this relates to her work is simply gorgeous.

This is such an inspirational episode. So, grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Sarah.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-watson-aa49181/

How are you out of 10?

These 6 words have saved lives.

And today you’re going to hear how.

Did you know that the biggest killer of boys and men from 9 – 50 is suicide?

That’s one man every 90 minutes in the UK.

Why is that?

In 2014 my friend Ben Aker’s life was turned upside down with the suicide of his childhood best friend Steve Yates.

After years of trying to come to terms with this tragedy, he decided to use his power to stop the next Steve. And today you’re going to hear Ben talk about how to stop men taking their own lives. Ben is the co-CEO and co-Founder of Talk Club, a talking and listening charity for men. 

Ben is also a film maker, problem solver and mental health campaigner. 

He began his career as an advertising copywriter and grew to a multi award winning Creative Director at some of the world’s most creative ad agencies in London and Sydney.

We talk about the creation of his changementary “Steve”.

We talk about how Talk Club was born and the major ingredients to its success.

Ben gives advice to anyone out there that’s listening that may be having a hard time.

And as a special treat, Ben then lets us in on his genius solution when it comes to funding his charity. “Not everyone has to be there with their hands out”.

This is a tough subject, but one that needs to be talked about, and today you’re going to learn some simple ways to help those people closest to you.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Ben.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Check out: Talk Club:  TalkClub.org “Steve”
Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEp5ck-DYzI
Full film:  stevedocumentary.com TED talk: https://youtu.be/Y9FEQYp1imc
OurKidsOurLives: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ourkidsourlives
Instagram:  @STEVEDOCUMENTARY
@Madewithltd @TalkClubUK @ourkidsourlives
Twitter:   @SteveDoco  + @benakers @Madewith_ @TalkClubUK @ourkidsourlives
Linked in:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-akers-39873729

Prison, by definition, removes someone’s liberty as punishment for the crime committed.

But there are two ways to spend that time inside, and therefore, two ways to see prison.

Prison can be a horrible place to suffer for the crimes that have been committed.

Or it can be a place to reflect, to learn, to gain skills, and to be better.

Today I talk to Phil Maguire who became the founding Chief Executive of the Prison Radio Association (PRA) in 2006, and has been running the award-winning charity that uses radio to support prisoner rehabilitation ever since.

We talk about what prisons looked like in London in the 90s: Riots, racial tension, deaths in custody and lots of incidents of self-harm. A sad and desperate place.

And then how things have evolved from there.

We talk about what happens when you create a conversation between the people living in prison and the people running a prison.

And what happens when you empower people in the most difficult of situations.

Phil talks about how their award-winning model has people who live in prisons at the heart of everything they do – including being the award-winning hosts and producers of their programmes.

You’ll hear about what happens when people leave prison and how they continue to engage people “beyond the gate”.

And how they are building a global movement of people using audio in criminal justice systems for social good.

Talk about the power of humanity!

This is a movement you will love to know more about. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Phil.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

And definitely check out:

The Life After Prison Podcast: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/

More on Prison Radio: https://www.prisonradio.org/

And connect with Phil here: phil@prison.radio

I was researching schools in Brazil for my 12-year-old a few months ago.

The schools on the short-list were the same when it came to teachers, distance from home, and their approach to education.

But the deal breaker for me was one thing: the architectural experience inside the school.

And until I had this conversation with Eliot, I hadn’t truly understood what that experience was and why it was so important to me.

Eliot Postma has been working with Heatherwick Studio since 2010 to deliver innovative designs on numerous high-profile projects that focus on the human experience through form, craft, materiality, and sustainability.

Heatherwick and Eliot are all about reconnecting the built environment with the human emotion – and today he’s going to help us understand why that is so important.

Eliot answers some pretty big questions in this episode.

What does it mean to make places and things more joyful and fundamentally more human?

And how can architecture create the necessary solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises our planet is facing?

He uses examples from his experience working on a large portfolio of projects that span Europe, North America and Asia to bring his thoughts to life.

We hear about what solutions the studio designed for a UK cancer research charity to create a home-like and calming environment for people that have just discovered they have cancer.

And he brings to life the story of how they created the award-winning Mountain View Google campus. Google's first ground-up campus that took 10-years to create, that spans 3-million square feet and had sustainability central to all aspects of the design.

We talk about re-earthing our cities.

The significant impact that construction has on the climate crisis and what the solutions are.

And where one of the world’s most famous design studios is looking for the next 20 years.

This is a super inspiring conversation and one that will get you thinking.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Eliot.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

We start this conversation reflecting on the question “where are you from”?

If you are a global citizen, you will be able to relate to Tessa’s response.

Tessa Wernink was born in Hong Kong, moved to the Netherlands when she was 10, and has lived in various other Asian countries over the years. She is a social entrepreneur and business activist, facilitator and podcast maker who is addressing social and environmental issues in business.

We then go on to talk about how a phone can be built and made fairly. And what that means.

Tessa talks about Fairphone, the only European phone today, that she co-founded at the start of her activist journey.

After Fairphone Tessa then started to ask how businesses can be more humane and a force for good.

We talk about the Undercover Activist which she then founded.

How people can be more of an activist in the way they work. How they can accelerate projects around social and environmental issues.

And we learn how you can nurture more of an activist culture at a company, turning from theory and great ideas to action.

We reflect on culture, customs, and change.

And then talk about interesting social businesses around the world ranging from environmentally friendly cars, how to approach death undertaking from a more sustainable and ethical point of view, and then an entrepreneur in Hong Kong that is creating fish from a lab.

Tessa finishes on the concept of active hope. Which is such a great way to finish this episode, and this year’s series of the TIE Unearthed Podcast.

Let’s celebrate action. So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and get inspired with Tessa.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

If you want to find out more about Fairphone please click here https://www.fairphone.com/en/), about The Undercover Activist https://www.undercoveractivist.com and about Tessa’s What If We Get It Right podcast: https://www.whatifwegetitright.com

See you again in January of 2023 for more inspiring episodes of TIE Unearthed. Happy holidays!! 

We start this conversation talking about South Korea in 1998.

This was Rick’s first posting when he was in the US army at 22 years of age.

He then found himself skiing and climbing in the alps and sailing in Norway. And afterwards, very quickly got immersed in leadership development.

Rick Wheatley now runs the advisory firm he started in Oslo called Systems7, where he helps leaders break out of the old ways of thinking and helps them see new possibilities that enhance commercial success, while creating the future we need.

We talk about how he got into this space and how he started his leadership development journey.

He talks about the power of taking people to the edge of their mental maps and nudging them off.

We talk about the way our brains are wired. About cognitive bias. And how the challenges we face today impact our ability to lead change.

I ask Rick how we can accelerate the sustainability strategies and performance of companies. And how ESG can be less about a paper drill, and more about action.

His insights in this area are fascinating.

Rick talks about the power of expanding the playing field.

He talks about what a CFO said to him once that was game changing for their teams.

And then we talk about the hot topic of net zero.

There is so much here. He even finishes with some really sound advice for the times we are currently living in.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Rick.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Have you seen the monarch butterfly migration in Mexico?

300 million butterflies arriving in Mexico during day of the dead.

And this is where we start our story talking about my friend Ali Alvarez. Mexican-born, LA-raised, and London-molded.

She started as a professional horse jumper and then went on to build a creative career in advertising and filmmaking.

And while she was juggling work in advertising, and working on her butterfly film, something happened to her that changed everything.

A traumatic head injury from a horse-riding accident one Sunday afternoon where she lost her memory and the ability on her right side to move.

Ali tells us about what happened after that fateful day.

When she got her memory back.

And then what she did from there.

She talks about how she went back to finish the film and how it healed her.

We talk about love, her inspiring family, and the power of being able to be herself and create the life she wanted to create.

She tells us the three things that have kept her together in really challenging times.

And then we finish having a conversation about how we can all make a difference in our own unique way – whatever form that may take.

This is an inspiring story of what happens when someone lives their life with conviction, determination, and love.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Ali.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

To find out more about Ali and her work you can click alialvarez.com. 

And to check out the incredible stop frame animation film Ali, Cali Oliver, Bart Yates and Joseph Mann made for TIE in 2010, click here. 

We see the world not as it is, but as we are.

We simply don’t all interact in the world the same way with the information around us. And we all process things differently.

What you see is going to be different to what I see. And that impacts everything.

Particularly when it comes to education and people management.

Today I speak with Sarah Cohen, a People & Culture professional and leader whose experiences in education, technology, and economics have shaped her pragmatic and innovative approaches to developing people and growing organizations.

We talk about her learning challenges growing up, and the fascinating insights that came from that time in her life.

We hear about the fundamental lesson her dad taught her in his last weeks of life. And how that then shaped how she chose to live and work.

She tells us about her time in education and helping other children transcend learning challenges.

And then how you set up the brain to be able to learn and thrive.

What is fascinating is she then took these learnings to the corporate world, where she now works in talent, and is focused on creating a culture of growing people where they thrive.

She talks of the challenges she sees in the corporate world from a talent point of view, but also how the creation of strong personal connections is the answer to a more sustainable business.

There is so much here. All rooted in people, math, and economics. Just the way Sarah likes it.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Sarah.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

Have you ever stopped to think of how powerful a challenge can be?

Or how purpose can literally save your life?

This is what we’re going to talk about today.

And we have Catherine Wreford, one of the strongest people I know, to tell us her incredible story.

From staring on Broadway, to running a mortgage company, to nursing school.

And then the unthinkable happened. A brain tumour, the size of her fist.

But, yet again, Catherine demonstrates just what can happen when you put your mind to something.

And that cancer is just a word, and not a sentence.

There is so much here.

I promise you’ll laugh, you’ll get goosebumps, and there may be tears from Cath and me.

But without question you’ll come out realizing just what is possible when you push through adverse situations, put your mind to something, and follow your heart.

And Catherine sums up our conversation perfectly, saying “You need to get out there and live life. If you want to be part of life, you need to do it yourself”.

Words to live by.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Catherine.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

A “Whoa” moment.

A reminder of what the reality of a different culture truly feels like.

And a chance to go off grid.

Yes, we are back with the Immersive TIE programme.

And Niall has returned from his experience in Mozambique to tell his tales.

This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

As most of you know, this was our primary TIE programme for close to 14 years.

It changed people’s lives. It evolved companies. And impacted communities in 24 countries around the world.

But the pandemic had other plans for us, and this had to be put on hold.

Until recently!

Today Niall gives us a window into his experience.

Niall is a Portfolio Manager at Octopus Energy in London, one of the largest investors of renewable energy in Europe. And he holds a Masters in Applied Mathematics and a Doctorate in Quantum Physics.

Let's just say, when he realised there was data to get stuck into - he was SO excited. :-)

This conversation is super revealing.

We hear about how he sees himself differently on return.

And the feelings he knows he must hold onto.

We hear about his reflections on leadership.

Why he applied.

And what came out of the experience – both with regards to the impact on the Marine Megafauna Foundation. But also, on him.

There are incredible learnings here, and it’s fascinating to understand the solutions he came up with.

If you’re thinking of applying for TIE. Thinking of having a TIE programme at your company. Or just keen to better understand how the programme impacts people and companies – don’t miss this one.

And the quote Niall ends on by Anne Frank is a perfect way to sum up this chat - “Whoever is happy will make others happy too’.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this conversation with Niall.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

If you’re keen to see more of his experience, do check out his TIE Instagram at @Niall_and_the_whales.

It’s an election year in Brazil, and as many of you will know, it’s a big one. 

Bolsonaro in power. 

Brazil’s democracy on the rocks. 

And a country extremely impacted by covid, where basic human rights are worse than we’ve ever seen them. 

So I felt it was fitting to speak with my good friend, Ivan Moraes. 

A father, journalist, dreamer, writer, defender of human rights and City councilor in Recife for the socialism and liberty party (PSOL). He’s currently in his second term in the Municipal Chamber of Recife, and will be the candidate for state deputy in the 2022 elections. 

Ivan helps us understand what Brazil is facing right now in this election. 

He explains why he went into politics. 

He talks about the challenges. What his life looks like in the spot light. But also why it’s so important. 

We hear about what gives him hope. 

But also what keeps him up at night. 

And he talks about how everyone can be the change. 

As Siba says, “The world moves, every time you take a step”. 

There are so many learnings and takeaways in this episode. And important insights to what is happening on the ground in Brazil. This is a must listen. 

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Ivan. 

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe. 

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

A mid-life crisis.

The Atlantic rainforest.

And discovering what sustainability means and looks like.

Today I talk with Binka, co-founder of Iracambi, a Brazilian organisation working to make the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest more attractive than its destruction.

We talk about what it looks like to save forests and change lives.

We hear about the challenges of the last few years.

But also, how TIE helped to propel Iracambi into huge growth in 2021.

We talk about what’s next with TIE and Iracambi, and we get the inside scoop on Binka’s time at the summit of the Americas, where heads of state and global leaders talked about building a more sustainable future.

Binka also let's us in on what gives her hope. But also what keeps her up at night.

Lots here.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Binka.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

What is a monument? And what should it be?

What does it mean to invest in the value of metaphor in architecture and landscape architecture?

How is a Canadian architecture firm responding to the LGBT Purge, one of the longest and most harmful campaigns of discrimination conducted by the Canadian federal government against the LGBT community? Something few people know about today.

We cover off a lot in this episode. And my goodness it will get you thinking.

Today I speak with Liz Wreford and Peter Sampson, the co-founders of the Canadian architecture firm, Public City.

We talk about why architecture and landscape architecture should practice together as a family.

We hear what winning the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture proved to them both.

What it’s like working and living with your business partner – yes, Liz and Peter are also a couple.

And they talk to us about how authenticity, performance art and architecture came together as an award-winning combination.

The story, and the outcome, is incredible.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here are Liz and Peter.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

What does it take to walk away from a successful career in the financial services industry?

What three things have the power to turn around a career?

And what is the key to positive change?

Today we talk with David Joshua, the founder of Resonance, a leadership development programme that helps people lead with more Impact, Empathy & Engagement and helps people understand how to apply the Principles of Persuasion and Communicate more effectively during moments that matter.

He talks to us about learning to be impactful with communication as a result of a traumatic failure he experienced.

We hear about focusing on the importance of connection.

And the power of breaking patterns.

David explains how gratitude shifts can fundamentally change how we live our lives every day. And he even gives us a simple tool as to how to do that – and it’s not what you would expect to happen on this podcast.

This is definitely a feel-good episode. You’ll enjoy this one.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with David.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

If you’d like to get in touch with David on LinkedIn you can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-joshua/

What do some of the world’s most famous artists and creators do to be at their best?

What can we learn from the way trees grow? And what does it have to do with stepping out of your comfort zone?

What does it mean to be led by the questions?

This is such a fantastic conversation – bursting with energy!

Today I chat with my old friend Sara Tate. She and her co-author Anna Vogt are launching their fantastic book The Rebuilders in June. And it’s all about going from setback to come back in business and beyond.

I know Sara from my BBH days (and before that as well I think). She’s an Organisational and Brand Strategist and formerly the CEO of the agency TBWA London. She was voted Best Leader in Marketing by Women in Marketing Awards and won Campaign's Female Frontier Award. She’s an accredited Executive Coach and she co-hosts The Rebuilders podcast.

We talk about the definition of failure. The beginners mind. And the power of space.

Sara talks through the tools and life skills that she and Anna have developed over the years. We talk about setbacks. And what Sara has learned from the process of writing the book and where she is now.

There are some incredible learning here.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Sara.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

To check out The Rebuilders and ideally get yourself a copy check click here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9desyj

To check out The Rebuilders podcast click here: https://tinyurl.com/54bthj95

And you can find Sara Tate here on Twitter https://twitter.com/saraktate and here on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraktate/

How can we get more children engaging with learning?

We all know that education is the key to a better world.

But access to education, and the opportunity to succeed once at school, varies drastically around the world.

Today I’m speaking with, Pauline Wanja, the CEO of Future First Kenya. Future First inspires, connects and builds the capacity of public school alumni as relatable role models to provide mentorship, career guidance, scholarship and governance support to their former schools.

We hear about what happened to the education movement in Africa after Colonialism in the early 60s.

Pauline tells us about the reality on the ground for students in Kenya.

And why their model is so powerful.

We hear a story that keeps Pauline up at night. But we then hear about what gives her hope.

And then Pauline tells us who inspires her. Her answer providing such a fascinating insight to her life growing up.

There is so much here. If you’re keen to get a window into another world, understand about an incredible initiative in Kenya, and simply feel injected with hope and inspiration – this one is for you.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Pauline.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

How can a scene from the ballet Swan Lake explain the importance of purpose?

How did Muhammad Ali manage to answer two of life’s biggest questions in his poem, known for being the shortest poem ever written?

And what really is wisdom?

Today I’m speaking with the legend that is Jim Carroll, and we will be talking about discovering the amplified self.

And why that is so important.

Jim is a long serving brand and communication strategist and we met when we both worked at the London-based communications agency BBH, where he worked as a planner for 24 years, for a long time ran the strategy function, and was UK Chairman from 2004 to 2015.

We talk about his time at BBH and the many incredible learnings he picked up.

We get an insight to his performance appraisal – and key learnings for all of us.

Then he tells us a story about a man he knew once, that didn’t blink.

There are loads of stories here. And Jim leaves us with some big questions that we should ask ourselves.

This is a must listen. And I promise you, you’ll leave this wanting more.

And I’m thrilled to say that is possible. You can get your weekly dose of Jim through his blog, Jim Carroll’s blog, which I highly recommend. https://www.jimcarrollsblog.com.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Jim.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you would like to be reminded of future podcasts and other inspiring stories from TIE, join our newsletter here. http://bit.ly/TIENewsletter

How can design solve real world problems?

And how can you use the knowledge and skills you have, to create something brand new on your terms?

Today we’ll be talking with Sascha Mayer about how disruptive design can impact lives.

Sascha is the CEO and co-founder of Mamava, a company on a mission to create a healthier society through infrastructure and support for breastfeeding.

She is a mom to two, now, teenage children. But when she was breastfeeding her first and discovered the challenges mothers faced trying to breastfeed after returning to work, she realised she had to do something about it.

The story is fantastic. One of, as they call themselves, reluctant entrepreneurs.

We hear about how external factors can really push something into motion.

The complexity of selling something that no one knows what it is. But something that is literally needed – everywhere.

And about how breastfeeding is truly a complicated cultural conversation.

There are some fantastic learnings and take aways in this chat – so definitely get stuck in.

If you’re keen to find out more about Mamava,check them out here.

So grab that favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And here is an inspiring chat with Sascha.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

I’m sure you are aware of the power of art and dance.

But have you stopped to think of that power and how it can impact children that come from incredibly difficult backgrounds?

Today I’m speaking with Betania Gonçalves da Silva, the co-founder and Executive Coordinator of Em Cena Arte e Cidadania, (On Stage: Art and Citizenship) an NGO based in Recife Brazil.

Em Cena was founded in 1998 by a group of friends who were tired of complaining about the social problems in Brazil - so decided to make a difference. They work with children and teens from one of the poorest areas of the city – houses without running water, and a community that faces the challenges of drugs, violence and more. And their mission is to impact the lives of these young people through the arts.

But they were severely impacted by the pandemic. Unable to run in-person activities for the children meant that the relationship with the community and local partners weakened significantly. And the future of these children’s lives, in many cases, depends on Em Cena.

Today we talk about the reality on the ground in one of the poorest areas of Brazil.

What do these children face every day?

What are the gender issues in the favela?

And what happens when the children step out of the favela, for even just an afternoon or two a week?

We cover off a lot here. So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is an inspiring chat with Betania.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

Where are you from? Where are you based? Where is your company based? 

And then the million dollar question - Does any of this this actually matter? 

Today I'm speaking with David Webster, and this is exactly what we'll be talking about. What are people wanting? Where do people want to be? And does that have any impact on how we run a business or how people can do their job? 

The power of human centric organisational culture design. 

David was born in Milan, Italy, started his career in advertising in London in 2001, and he’s been living in Singapore since 2008 where he eventually led BBH as APAC MD, and worked with brands such as Nike, Netflix and Uber. 

With a desire to change outdated working practices in the advertising industry and pioneer new, more sustainable ways of working, he co-founded The Carrot Collective in 2020, a global decentralised creative company that has been leading the development of new remote working practices focused on organisational culture and life-work balance. 

We’ll be talking about reinventing a 40-year-old industry, across very different parameters. 

How they built an organisational culture that is based around people and not places. We talk about the disciplines necessary to build a company that is human centric. 

And then David get's us to reflect on something. As a business owner, who is your customer? 

There is a lot here. 

So throw on those running shoes or grab that favourite beverage, and here is David. 

And if you want to check out David’s TED talk you can find it here. 

Please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

How can we move the gender divide conversation on without anger and defensiveness?

What truths need to be unearthed for that to be possible?

And then, once the lid has been lifted on these issues, what solutions can truly make a difference?

Today my long time super close friend Victoria Brooks is with us. And she has a love for things that matter.

Victoria is a strategist specialising in the development of stories that inspire environmental and social impact.

She has been featured in the Guardian for their famous piece on sexual harassment in the advertising industry in 2019, was named a Pitch 100 Superwoman in 2019 and was honoured as one of 30 industry inclusivity champions in the IPA’s inaugural list in 2020.

Today we will be talking about the power of truth as a force for change.

We’ll talk about her move from working with strategy and the environment to equality and inclusion.

And we hear about her work focused on closing the gender divide, and the ground-breaking solutions that she’s not only designed, but also implemented with tremendous success.

There is a lot here. But you will be smiling and inspired throughout.

So, throw on those running shoes or grab that cup of tea or coffee, and here is the incredible Victoria.

And please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

What does it mean to be a citizen?

What are we doing to ourselves when we tell ourselves we’re consumers over 3000 times a day?

How is the world changing? And what would the impact be on society if the private sector started to treat its people as citizens and not consumers?

Jon Alexander, Co-Founder of the New Citizenship Project, a strategy and innovation consultancy that aims to shift the dominant story of the individual in society from Consumer to Citizen, suggests in this chat that we are living at a time that presents a remarkable opportunity for change.

We talk about the power of language and how very quickly, due to how we talk about something, we can automatically limit what we believe people are capable of.

We learn about what participatory democracy looks like from a fascinating Taiwanese case study involving the world's first transgender government minister.

We talk about the power of creating community and the vital importance of building agency.

And we reflect on Jon’s book CITIZENS – and why the key to fixing everything is all of us. (You can pre-order a copy at jonalexander.net)

If you want to stretch your brain, and find tangible ways to change things today, tune into this one.

So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Jon.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

There is a lot going on at the moment isn’t there?

As we settle into 2022, there is a lot of talk about purpose.

The great resignation is also still hitting headlines, and many companies are feeling it.

At TIE, due to the application process, and the type of experience we offer people, we really do have some interesting reflections on the current state of the workforce and what is happening out there.

Due to the very personal nature of our work, we gain a pretty good understanding of how people are feeling, what people are looking for, what’s missing, and how things in general are evolving.

In today’s podcast I chat with Ines Vogeler,  the brain behind TIE’s strategy. And we reflect on all of this.

For over 30 years, Ines worked at Leo Burnett as a global Strategic Planner. She interviewed people in their natural habitats all over the world to uncover the provocative nuggets that allowed others to understand people from the inside-out.

A few years ago I was so lucky to have captured the attention of Ines, and since then, she has been helping us hone our messaging.

Where TIE was strategically, even a few years ago, is very different to where we are now.

And we cover a lot in this conversation.

We talk about the power of community. What that means. And what happens when you manage to create that.

Ines talks to us about the power of following your instinct and what happens when you push yourself to do something before you’re ready.

We hear about the power of thinking differently and human brands.

And then we dive into us working together and how Ines helped us evolve our strategy. We talk about what was originally blinding us and what is happening now.

She also tells you why she thought I would never talk to her again - which I’m still, to this day, mortified by.

Ines is an absolute force. You’ll enjoy this one. So throw on those running shoes, or grab that favourite beverage, and here is Ines.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

What goes into being a successful artist?

And what is fundamental when it comes to making a living in the art world?

Today I’m speaking with Ben Ashton, a master of subversion. His art is both beautiful and challenging; a clash of past and future that merges classic techniques with new ideas.

GQ style called him a modern master, and his work, inspired by old master techniques, has been embraced by the global pop surrealist movement.

We talk about the power of patience and resilience to realise your purpose.

How necessity truly was the mother of invention – and the main creative idea – when Ben executed the “Fall in Love Again” official video by Rag'n’Bone Man.

We talk about the power of flexibility and networks.

How to live out your purpose… and follow your heart.

And pursuing and maintaining a brand that is truly authentic.

Ben talks of fighting against the traditional London art scene. And what that means. And then his route to feeling content.

And we end on a glimpse to what his next show is going to be about. Which is super cool!

This is a must listen. I was totally buzzing at the end of this one. The energy is electric. And it was SUPER FUN to record.

So throw on those running shoes or grab your favourite beverage. And get inspired, with Ben.

You can follow Ben on Instagram: @benashtonart

Watch the Rag'n’Bone Man video here.

And check out Ben’s Youtube here Www.YouTube.com/benashtonart

We have to cut emissions by half by 2030.

That’s what came out of the Cop26.

So, HOW are we going to do that? Where is that going to come from?

And more specifically, where is the tool to say we’re on track?

Who is monitoring this? And then the million dollar question – are the box ticking ESG strategies going to be enough?

In this podcast I talk with Gabriela Herculano and Shaila Leekha, co-founders of iClima Earth, an impact green FinTech with one sole focus – to use capital markets to decarbonise the planet.

Gabi and Shaila are both Wharton MBA graduates, with over 45 years of professional experience between them in the finance and energy sectors. After meeting at GE Capital in London, they decided to join forces, and use their power to decarbonise the planet.

Today they talk to us about the journey of getting to where they are now and what they are doing to make real impact.

Gabi tells us of her time in Glasgow when she presented at the Cop26. …and they talk of their hope.

Keen to hear how capital markets can decarbonise the planet? How you can also be a part of this movement? And what is in store for the next 10 years? Have a listen.

If you’d like to check out iClima.Earth click on the link. If you would like to reach out to Gabi and Shaila they would also love to hear from you. Please reach them on linkedIn on the links above.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off January 31st. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

When there is a hurricane, the first line of defence are the reefs.

But after a hurricane, then what? The reefs will of course be damaged, but who repairs them to ensure they recover as fast as possible, so they can continue to be that line of defence?

This is something I never thought about before this conversation.

Reef systems around the world are under threat.

Hurricanes are one major one. But there are many others.

And the MAR system, the biggest Coral Reef system in the Atlantic, faces some very real challenges.

On today’s episode I talk to Maria Gonzalez, the executive Director of the Mar Fund, a regional environmental fund established to support conservation efforts specifically in the MAR Ecoregion. Its mission is to drive regional funding and partnerships for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of resources in the region.

Maria has been with the MAR Fund since it’s inception.

And Maria has lived through a lot.

We hear about the challenges that reefs around the world are facing.

And what the Mar Fund is doing to respond to them.

We then talk about the exciting project that TIE will be working on with the MAR Fund in early 2022.

This conversation will get you thinking.

We’ll talk about the power of sustainable business to save the region.

And how you can be a part of this movement.

Maria brings all of this to life for us on this chat. So sit back relax, and here is Maria.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off January 31st. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you. 

Did you know that 75% of glass bottles in the US end up in landfills?

Did you know we are facing a serious glass shortage?

Have you ever stopped to think about the carbon footprint of a glass bottle? And how easy it is to decrease it?

Today I’m chatting with Caren McNamara, Founder and CEO of Conscious Container, a benefit corporation bringing the refillable glass bottle marketplace back into the US economy.

Something that is desperately needed – from a supply chain, environmental and financial point of view.

We talk about how and why Caren went from working at IBM, to creating a start-up, and living out her life’s mission.

We hear about the surprising challenges she’s faced along the way.

And the next phase of this exciting adventure.

Caren has seen and experienced a lot on this journey, and she shares some beautiful insights on this episode. And leaves us with so many nuggets of incredible inspiration.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and enjoy this chat with Caren.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off mid-January. This project will fill up fast. If you're keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more. Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We've love to work with you!

With the COP26 upon us, it’s making us all more acutely aware that we are living in a moment of profound disruption.

And I think it’s fair to say, we are all looking for our way to respond.

In today’s episode, Jo Higgins and Monique Barns talk about just this.

Monique is Brand Manager at Australia’s largest not-for-profit health insurer. And Jo is responsible for designing and building IAG’s future consent experience and bringing to life their purpose through her role as Customer Consent Strategy Lead.

They met through being on UN Women Australia's Sydney International Women's Day Committee, and since then have been on a mission to realise their purpose in a number different ways. These two have been busy!

We talk about how they are contributing to the global conversation around female empowerment.

We talk about how they helped the President of Malawi position the messaging for a high-profile UN meeting and the COP26 with TIE Accelerator.

And we hear about the types of growth experiences they are after and why they engaged with TIE.

There are some pretty great stories here.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and enjoy this wonderful chat with Jo and Monique.

We have opened entries for our next TIE Accelerator programme, kicking off mid-January 2022. This project will fill up fast.

This one is all about how the future of climate change is in the hands of 12-year old girls. You'll be helping to ensure girl's education is a strategic development priority. When this happens it's proven to be one of the strongest solutions to tackling the climate crisis. Fascinating and SO important.
Keen to broaden your horizons, break through boundaries and ultimately BE and DO more?

Reach out to learn more philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out the video at apply.tieaccelerator.com. We'd love to work with you!

You can’t breed a whale shark. Or a humpback whale.

When they are gone, they are gone.

And, what about borders when it comes to the ocean? Who is responsible for caring for these charismatic creatures when they go into other territories?

I had never thought of ocean conservation in those terms before.

Today I speak with Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas, as coined by the BBC for their documentary on her in 2009.

She’s a pioneer for Manta Ray research.

Before she started researching Mantas, there was simply no data on them.

“How can we have people going to space, yet we don’t know anything about the biggest animals in our ocean. That’s crazy!”

She and her friend Simon Pierce decided they needed to study threatened charismatic marine megafauna. And to protect the marine habitats in Africa at the same time.

And so they did.  

She moved to Mozambique. And they created the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Today she tells us her story.

How she went from living in Australia, to selling everything, and building a hut in Mozambique, to start her life’s work.

We hear about the (many) challenges they face in Mozambique.

The impact of COVID on her personally, but also on the organisation. The challenges, but also the incredible silver linings.

Andrea talks us through what keeps her up at night (as an ocean conservationist, it’s not easy), but what also gives her hope.

Andrea is a true inspiration, her passion and dedication to marine conservation is thoroughly contagious, and this chat will inspire you.

So grab that favourite beverage or throw on those running shoes, and here is Andrea.

We will shortly be kicking off our next TIE Accelerator programme. It will take place in January. If you are keen to know more, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk or check out apply.tieaccelerator.com.

And please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

There are millions of people surfing in Africa and yet, there was no African surf brand out there.

And you’ve had generations of Africans growing up with a narrative of blond-haired, blue-eyed surfers, presented by surf brands.

It just didn’t feel right.

And, what about the brands in Africa, telling the positive stories?

Today we are going to be talking about the power of African surf – and what my good friend Nick Dutton is doing to change the story of Africa.

Nick is the co-founder and CEO of Mami Wata, which is a global African surf lifestyle brand.

Having travelled extensively around the world during his career in advertising, Nick was able to identify the global opportunity for a premium African surf brand. So he moved his family to Cape Town, and with his co-founders, they launched Mami Wata due to their love of Africa, design and surfing, as well as a belief that the world needs a different lens to view and understand Africa.

We talk about why what they are doing matters.

How Mami Wata came about

Their journey of building a business and a challenger brand.

The curve ball of COVID and where this all has taken them.

The story is incredible. And super inspiring.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review and subscribe.

And if you’re keen to understand more about TIE and how you can get involved, just shoot me an email at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk.  I’d love to hear from you.

What does it mean for a brand to be a living idea? Why is the humanisation of brands so important? And why do ideas with substance really matter?

Today I chat with Michael Jager, Chief Creative Officer of Solidarity of Unbridled Labour, a studio that conceptualizes and realizes ideas that help guide and create culture and positive change within it.

It’s his vision that has shaped some of the biggest brands of our time like Nike, Lululemon, Burton Snowboards, Seventh Generation, MTV, Virgin, Patagonia and Masterclass.

We talk about why he hates the word brand.

We talk about empathy. And learning.

We talk about the power of asking questions. And where you can find insights and inspiration.

And he tells us how The Clash changed his life.

Whenever I meet with Michael, I come out of the conversation with quotes and a list of suggestions of shows to watch, books to read or artists to look into. So, I of course finish the chat with inspirational references to share with all of you.

To say you will feel inspired after this episode is an understatement. You may even want to have a pen and paper nearby to write things down.

Enjoy this one. Here is Michael.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

And if you're keen to understand more about TIE and what we're up to these days, just shoot me an email philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. I'd love to hear from you. 

I know that climate change is on most of your minds right now in one form or another.

The IPCC report came out, and it has got us thinking about so many aspects of life as we know it. And what needs to change in order to decrease emissions.

Today we will be talking about responsibly feeding the world and protecting the planet.

My guest is Juliana Xavier, Director of Brand Management at Yara International, a global crop nutrition company.

We cover a lot.

But, the crux of the conversation is how are we going to feed 9.8 billion people in the world by 2050?

And how will we do this in an environmentally sound way, especially if we know that growing food contributes to 20% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world.

Keeping in mind that to produce enough food for 9.8 billion people…. will mean doubling food production from where we are today.

This is not easy.

But as Juliana says. Agriculture is part of the climate change problem. And it’s also part of the solution.

We talk about all of this.

Listen to the podcast and better understand the challenges. But also her hope.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

Imagine being given the opportunity to make a positive difference to 3 billion people around the world.

Then imagine being told you had 6 weeks to help Malawi present at the High-Level Dialogue for Energy meeting hosted by the UN in New York and bring a voice to these 3 billion people - helping save their lives and work towards decreasing climate change.

Involving the president of the country.

Sounds crazy and a little bit intense, right?

Well, Luca Zerbini was one of the ambitious people that joined the last TIE Accelerator team to help crack this challenge.

He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Peak Point Partners, a Venture Capital Fund at the crossroads of Technology, Digitalization, Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

Before this, he was an accomplished consultant at Bain & Company and a C-Suite Executive. He’s an Engineer, and also holds an MBA from Wharton. And is a Fellow of The Marketing Academy and of the Institute for Real Growth – which are both focused on human growth and on purpose-driven leadership, specifically around Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

So it felt fitting to chat with Luca today about his TIE Accelerator experience.

We talk about the UN High Level dialogue for energy meeting, and why it is convening again now after 40 years.

What Malawi’s role is and how the team will be contributing to the success of the discussions.

How, as an investor in this space, he learned things he was shocked he didn’t know about before.

And then tells us the most eye-opening information he learned on this project.

If you are interested in sustainability, climate change, the environment and human rights, then this is a chat you don’t want to miss.

If you would like to register for the panel discussion talked about on this podcast on the 7th of September, you can register here.  You’ll get to listen to an impressive panel of political, financial, non-profit and business experts and hear their views in preparation to the UN HLDE in New York and COP26 in Glasgow.

So sit back. Relax. And grab that favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And enjoy this episode.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

And if you’re looking for inspired personal development with social impact that broadens horizons and helps transform professionals, then TIE could be for you. Find out more at tieaccelerator.com or get in touch with me at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. Our next project kicks off on the 20th of September and we have a couple of spots left. We’d love to work with you.

It's time. Let's change things!

What does it take to walk away from a successful career in Investment banking?

Today I’m speaking with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, a woman’s sustainable fashion startup and what New York Times described as a ‘Brand as Ethically Minded as It Is Refined’.

When Vanessa suddenly became aware of the reality on the ground in the clothing industry, there was no turning back. She needed to challenge the system.

So, she created a clothing brand committed from the outset to sourcing responsibly grown, ethically manufactured materials, blending classic design with technology-enabled transparency, while building a platform for education, and advocacy and contributing to the circular economy.

In this episode, we talk about her early life and how it shaped where she’s at now.

We talk about the significant impact that the clothing industry has on the environment, on humans and on animals.

And then we talk about what Vanessa has done to respond to all of this.

So sit back. Relax. And grab that favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And enjoy this episode.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

Do check out Another Tomorrow here. And to sign the petition Vanessa talks about in the episode, you can find it here.

And if you’re looking for inspired personal development with social impact that broadens horizons and helps transform leaders, then TIE could be for you. Find out more at tieaccelerator.com or get in touch with me at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. We’d love to work with you.

Being one of the poorest countries in the world, Malawi presents so many challenges to the people from there.

Challenges that those of us who have grown up in the Global North probably couldn’t even fathom.

And to add to the challenges that the country faces because of the poverty, the pandemic has pushed the children’s rights movement back by at least 30 years. If not more.

Life is not easy.

But there is hope. And that hope comes in the form of Chance4Change. Who we have worked with a few times over the years.

Chance4Change was established in 2011 and the organisation believes that all young people have the right to be active citizens and equal members of society.

Today I speak with Grace who has been with Chance4Change since 2013 in many capacities, before taking up her post as Country Director.

Today she talks to us about the many challenges the country faces, what they are doing to support the young people, and how TIE will play an important part in providing even more hope.

And you can be a part of it.

So grab your favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes and here is a window to Malawi. And how women and girls are getting a second chance at life.

And if you’re keen to get involved with TIE. To broaden your horizons, transform your life, skillsets and networks, while changing the world, find out more at the TIE Accelerator info session apply.tieaccelerator.com. Or simply get in touch and we can jump on a call.

If you have ever had to raise money for an organisation, then this episode is for you.

If you get hot sweats just thinking about having to ask people for yet more money, then this is also for you.

Or, if you are a corporate, and wondering how your relationships with your NGO partners could improve, then I’d also love for you to have a listen.

Today I speak with Mallory Erickson.

She is THE non-profit coach, teaching fundraisers how to bring in more donations without chasing them.

Through her signature framework, the Power Partners Formula™️, Mallory provides unique tools to help raise more from foundations, corporate partners, and individuals. She has coached over 1,000 fundraisers using her simple, but unique strategy - and it really works.

Mallory’s key takeaway is that great fundraising is not an ask, it’s an offer.

She talks about finding common ground. The win-win. And what is possible when people are really coming to a conversation from the perspective of strategic partnerships.

There is so much rich content here. And we’ll bring this all to life.

So sit back. Relax. And grab that favorite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And enjoy this episode.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating, and subscribe.

If you want to feel differently about fundraising as well as clear and excited about your next steps, make sure you watch Mallory’s FREE Masterclass - How to Get In Front of the Right Donors WITHOUT Obnoxiously Hounding Them - malloryerickson.com/free.

Conversations that change what we notice, question and believe is possible.

TIE Unearthed brings together people from business, culture, creativity, social change and worlds far beyond the traditional leadership conversation.

Hosted by Philippa J. White, each episode explores the experiences, ideas and moments that have shifted how someone understands themselves, other people or the world around them, and what happened as a result.

The conversations move between the personal and the organisational, exploring humanity, behaviour, culture, leadership, creativity, uncertainty and the changing world of work.

What makes you tick?

What motivates you?

What really matters to you?

These are some big questions. But when you really stop and think about the answers, it truly gets you approaching life in a different way.

Right before Emily Murren even knew about the TIE Accelerator programme, or applied for it, she had just done an exercise that had her reflecting on her values.

And this then set her on a transformative journey.

Today Emily Murren, a Marketing Director based in Sydney, talks about what she did to get more clarity on her life and career. Where that took her. And what happened when she followed her gut.

She talks about how the takeaways from the TIE Accelerator experience were very different from what she thought they would be going in.

And what can happen when you work on something that really, truly, inspires you.

So sit back. Relax. And grab that favorite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And enjoy this chat with Emily.

Please don't forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

And if this inspired you and you would like to get involved with TIE, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. Or join the TIE Accelerator Info Session at apply.tieaccelerator.com.

What does it mean to make a contribution as an executive and a leader?

At what point in your career do the skills you’ve accumulated need to be leveraged for the wellbeing of the people around you?

Today I speak with Alex Garden. Alex is a dear friend of mine, an extremely successful entrepreneur, executive, inventor and scientist.

And these were the questions he started to ask himself, which lead him to his current role as Chairman and CEO of Zume Inc, which is on a quest to be the most powerful source of health and well-being on the planet.

In this episode, Alex talks about the simple exercise that his friend David Krane of Google Ventures asked him to do. This exercise, as Alex says, was by far the most powerful thing he’s ever done.

And was the catalyst to this next chapter.

We talk about food. The solution to eliminating plastic. And how Alex and Zume Inc are leading that charge for change.

You’ll learn some scary stats in this episode, but you’ll also be left feeling excited and hopeful for the future. Alex will leave you inspired, and reflecting on your own potential for creating real impact.

I’m so excited to share this information with you all.

So sit back. Relax. And grab that favourite beverage. Or throw on those running shoes. And enjoy this glimpse into the future.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

And if you would like to get involved with TIE, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. I'd love to hear from you.

Today I speak with Carly Avener, Managing Director of Leo Burnett London.

I had so many questions.

I was keen to understand how COVID has changed things at the London ad agency. What they are doing differently as a result of everything. And what they did to support people when things got really difficult.

We then hear Carly talk about the silver linings, and the biggest learning.

She tells us what she looks for in leaders and brings to life the characteristics of the leaders that have risen to the top. What makes them shine. I personally found this fascinating, as it was very much in line with what I talk about at TIE.

On Monday we kick off our Corporate Team TIE project with Leo Burnett, and we’ll have 6 of their leaders come together to crack a challenge for a children’s rights organisation in India. Whilst developing more of the competencies that will help them shine in today’s VUCA world, they will also get to impact an organisation that really needs their help.

Carly finishes our conversation by explaining why she and Charlie, the CEO, are getting involved, and why it fits perfectly with the expression of the agency’s purpose.

An absolutely fascinating chat, and just really special to understand what life is like post-COVID at a thriving London ad agency at this moment in history.

So grab your favourite beverage and do get stuck in.  And please do let us know what you think of this episode, leave a review, rating and subscribe.

And if you would like to get involved with TIE, do get in touch at philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk. I'd love to hear from you.

That question. “Where are you from?”

How does someone who doesn’t really belong anywhere respond?

Today I’m chatting with Özlem Özkan, who, in her own words, is a culturally diverse woman, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Born and raised in The Netherlands, comes from Turkish parents, and has lived and traveled all over the world. She’s a teacher, founder, podcaster, author, and coach.

She talks to us about the identity clashes she faced growing up in the Netherlands, coming from Turkish parents.

We hear what she’s learned about human beings as a result of growing up as a number of different cultures and traveling to so many different places.

And what happened in her life that almost immediately got rid of some extremely deep-rooted biases, judgments, and fears.

She talks about how living in Istanbul shaped her life and what she's doing now. And finishes with some advice we should all take to heart.

Have a listen and be inspired.

Please do let us know what you think of this episode. And please don’t forget to leave a review, rating, and subscribe.

If you would like to get in touch with Özlem or find out more, you can find more about her here:

Tired of not reaching your goals? Make lasting change happen through Ozlem’s coaching here: https://www.ozkanozlem.com/coaching

Do you wonder what it can look like to break free and be your true self? Özlem takes you on a fascinating self-awareness journey through her book "The Student."

The Bridging Podcast: through the themes of personal growth, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurship after each episode, you will get inspired and learn tools on how to level up yourself and your surroundings. https://bridging.simplecast.com/

Özlem’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozkanozlem/

If you would like to get involved with TIE, and be a part of the important change that needs to be made in the world, do check TIE out and get in touch: philippa@theinternationalexchange.co.uk.