Why do we think and behave the way we do? We speak with Dr Jen Martin - scientist, author, and communicator - about the fascinating science behind our habits of thought and behaviour. Drawing on her new book Why Am I Like This?, Jen explains the psychology behind impostor experiences, procrastination, multitasking, flow states, and more. Together, they connect these scientific insights to leadership, personal development, and the Human Synergistics Circumplex framework.

Read the full show notes here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/why-am-i-like-this-with-dr-jen-martin-culture-bites-247/

Connect with Dr Jen Martin:

Get the Book "Why Am I Like This?" https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/why-am-i-like-this-by-jen-martin/9781761450426

Visit Jen's website: https://scidocmartin.com/

Connect with Jen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-martin-scicomm/

Connect with Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scidocmartin/

Visit Human Synergistics: www.human-synergistics.com.au

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-synergistics-australia/

Follow Dominic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicgourley/

Send questions and ideas to [email protected]

Culture doesn’t shift unless leaders do. In this episode, Dominic and Corinne dive into why leaders must go first in culture change - what that looks like in practice, why behaviour beats systems, and how leaders can make the implicit explicit. A must-listen for executives and team leaders navigating change.

See our Consulting Solutions: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-services/consulting/

Use our Diagnosotics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/leaders-managers/

Become Accredited: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/become-accredited/

Join us for a sneak peek into the 2025 Culture & Leadership Conferences in Sydney and Melbourne! In this episode, we preview the inspiring client stories and leadership insights you’ll hear - from transformation at David Jones, global perspectives from Marriott, leadership development at Lindt, to CEO strategy with Richard Harding. Plus, interactive sessions, big culture shifts, and plenty of community connection.

Sydney: 27 August

Melbourne: 4 September

Free to attend – reserve your spot: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference/

What does it really mean to be neurodiverse - and how should leaders and coaches respond? In this episode, Dominic is joined by clinical and organisational psychologist Dr Amanda Mullin to explore the realities (and myths) around ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more.

They unpack:

What the term "neurodiversity" actually includes

The difference between labels and lived experience

Common challenges around communication, sensory sensitivity, and emotional regulation

Why anxiety is more common - and more treatable - than most people realise

How leaders can balance inclusion and accountability

What coaches need to consider when working with neurodivergent clients

If you're leading teams, coaching individuals, or simply trying to build a more inclusive workplace, this conversation is packed with insights and practical strategies.

Learn more about Mindworx Psychology Online: https://online.mindworxpsychology.com.au/

Learn more about Human Synergistics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/

Join us at our Annual Culture and Leadership Conference: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/conference/

We all say we want feedback – but how good are we at receiving it?

In this episode, Dominic is joined by fellow consultant Ash Smith to unpack why receiving feedback can be so difficult, even for experienced leaders. They explore what triggers defensiveness, how to stay open (even when feedback is unexpected or poorly delivered), and why a true feedback culture depends just as much on how we receive as how we give.

You’ll learn practical techniques for staying curious, assuming positive intent, and making feedback work for you – plus why positive feedback is too often overlooked.

A must-listen for leaders, teams, and anyone serious about growth.

See show notes:

https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-insights-blog/how-to-receive-feedback-even-when-its-clunky-culture-bites-ep-244/

See our Consulting Solutions: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-services/consulting/

Use our Diagnosotics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/leaders-managers/

Become Accredited: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/become-accredited/

Changing culture sounds great - until it asks you to change. In this powerful conversation, Dominic Gourley and Ash Smith explore what it really takes for leaders to step up, lean into discomfort, and lead culture transformation from the front.

They unpack why it’s so hard to change the behaviours that once made us successful, why vulnerability doesn’t mean weakness, and how leaders can avoid becoming the exception to the culture they want to build.

Whether you're a CEO, team leader, or culture champion, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with courage.

We unpack the hidden pressures CEOs and Executives face - and why strong leadership doesn’t have to mean going it alone. We share the small rituals and mindset shifts that can help leaders reconnect with purpose, support, and each other. From ego and armour to shared goals and enterprise thinking - this is a must-listen for anyone working with or within Executive teams.

In this episode of Culture Bites, host Dominic Gourley from Human Synergistics Australia is joined by Richard Harding, a seasoned executive and non-executive director with extensive leadership experience in both public and private insurance organisations across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation centres on Richard’s unique track record of turning around organisational culture and performance in three challenging leadership roles: TIO (Territory Insurance Office), Tower Insurance in New Zealand, and icare (Insurance and Care NSW).

Richard shares practical insights into how he successfully shifted each organisation from low engagement, high turnover, and toxic cultures—marked by avoidance and opposition—towards constructive, high-performing workplaces. He emphasises the critical role of purposeful leadership, connecting culture with strategy, and aligning executive and middle management behaviour to achieve sustainable change. Key themes include the importance of creating meaning and ownership through purpose, overcoming cultural inertia, and making tough leadership calls, such as addressing toxic team members.

Listeners will gain valuable, real-world advice on managing cultural transformation, fostering accountability, and the leadership mindsets necessary to embed a high-performing, values-driven culture. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to take control of their organisational culture rather than letting it evolve by chance.

Learn more about what we do: www.human-synergistics.com.au

How do we raise confident, resilient kids in a culture that’s become obsessed with supervision? In this episode, Dominic Gourley is joined by Lenore Skenazy – author of Free-Range Kids and President of Let Grow – to explore why independence is crucial for childhood development.

They discuss why overprotection can backfire, how free play fosters leadership and creativity, and how building trust (not constant monitoring) strengthens both kids and parents. Drawing parallels between parenting and leadership in the workplace, Lenore and Dominic show why stepping back is the key to helping the next generation step up.

If you want to raise or mentor more capable, resilient, and independent young people, this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more about Let Grow: https://letgrow.org/

Learn more about Human Synergistics: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/

How to put perspective on challenging situations which may seem overwhelming in the moment. Fiona Hogarth shares her tips.