Culture Bites

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.

Sarah is the CEO of Homeward Bound - and fresh back from Antarctica. Homeward Bound believe that supporting women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine), using the Life Styles Inventory, to significantly improve their clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability, will enhance their opportunity to take up leadership roles globally, and to proactively contribute to a sustainable world, both individually and collectively.

“The LSI process involves reflection, self-awareness, and growth because leading isn’t just about directing others; it’s about understanding who you are and how you can transform your environment from the inside out,” says Paola Jaén, #HB9 scholarship recipient.⁣

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You can apply for the #TeamHB10 Online Leadership Program here: https://homewardbound.submittable.com/submit/312333/hb10-leadership-program/eligibility

Learn more about the Life Styles Inventory: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/our-diagnostics/leaders-managers/life-styles-inventory/

Workplace Trends: Key Insights from the Nation’s Wellbeing Report 2025. Join us as we explore the trends impacting employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and organisational support. From CEO challenges to frontline leader stress, we break down the essential takeaways from the 2025 report. Download the report here: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/the-way-we-work-report-2025/

Discover how Adaptive Leadership transforms organizations with Max Martina, focusing on key practices to empower teams, navigate complexity, and build a strong leadership culture.

See full show notes with key topics and insights: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-bites-podcast/adaptive-leadership-with-max-martina-culture-bites-ep-226/

Learn more about Max Martina and Cambridge Leadership Associates: https://cambridge-leadership.com/

Culture Bites is powered by Human Synergistics. Learn more about how we get leaders and organisations to achieve outstanding results: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/

We explore the question, "Why should anyone be led by you?", discussing authenticity, adaptability, and community-building from the book by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones. Gain insights to reflect on your leadership style and inspire high-performing teams.

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

See Show Notes for this episode: https://www.human-synergistics.com.au/resources/culture-bites-podcast/why-should-anyone-be-led-by-you-culture-bites-225/