In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Daria Rudnik, team architect, executive leadership coach, and author of the book "Clicking". 

Daria shares her expertise from years as a Chief People Officer, her global leadership experience, and her unique approach to helping teams move from surviving to truly "clicking"… especially in challenging and rapidly changing environments.

We also explore the real power of intentional team culture, those moments when a group of individuals comes together to achieve something greater than the sum of its parts. 

Daria offers practical insights into how leaders can build meaningful connections, manage conflict in human-focused ways, and create team environments that include all voices at the table, even those that are quieter or more introverted.

Here are three key takeaways from today’s episode...

Team success isn’t accidental: 

High-performing teams thrive on intentional culture-building, where the “how” of working together is just as important as the shared purpose or “why”.

Rules and norms provide clarity: 

Defining how decisions are made, how meetings are run, and what behaviours are valued or not tolerated helps create trust and inclusive collaboration.

Influence comes in many forms: 

Daria shares ideas for quieter or introverted team members to make their voices heard, not just during meetings but also before and after, and highlights that everyone has the power to shape the culture of their team, step by step.

As you listen, consider this question: 

In your own team, are the ways you work together (your norms, decision-making, and behaviours) truly clear and intentional, or are you relying on accidental culture?

Daria’s book “Clicking” is available to buy from her website www.DariaRudnik.com 

If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Every contribution helps the show keep going!

Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.

Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.

www.KatieAllenConsulting.com

Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder