Human Wise

Recommended Episodes

• Ep40: The Power of Vulnerability and Values in Leadership with Jason Cotta
•  Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd
•  Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie Semmes

In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada sits down with author, educator, and leadership expert Steven D’Souza to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Drawing on decades of work in leadership development and reflective practice, Steven shares how acknowledging the light and shadow within ourselves can transform how we lead, connect, and grow.

Together, Helen and Steven discuss how vulnerability strengthens leadership, why embracing uncertainty is vital for human-centred growth, and how leaders can cultivate cultures that value self-awareness over perfection. It’s a rich, reflective conversation that reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to look inward and lead with compassion and courage.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• The light and shadow sides of leadership
• Human-centred growth through reflection and awareness
• Leading with authenticity and vulnerability
• How embracing humanity builds trust in teams
• Reframing success through self-awareness and connection

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

What does it truly mean to be human at work—and how can embracing vulnerability, empathy, and authentic connection actually drive business success? In this inspiring episode of the Human Wise Podcast, we unpack the power of human-centered leadership and relationship-building with Alisa Voznaya, risk consulting partner at BDO.

Discover how Alisa transitioned from a career in academia and forensic intelligence to leading risk strategy and building a successful consulting practice. She shares candid lessons on conquering imposter syndrome, cultivating trust, and why the “human advantage” is essential in today’s business world. Together, Alisa and Helen discuss coaching, active listening, reframing sales as genuine connection, and the long-term impact of nurturing relationships—not just chasing short-term wins.

If you’re looking to foster more meaningful professional relationships, build trust with clients, and lead with authenticity in a results-driven world, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and personal stories you won’t want to miss. Tune in to start building your own human advantage at work!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Building trust in client relationships
• Human-centered approach to sales
• Navigating professional vulnerability at work
• Long-term business relationship strategies
• Integrating coaching skills in consulting

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the secrets to building trusted business relationships that drive sustainable growth in today’s AI-driven world. In this Human Wise episode, I’m joined by Ryan O’Sullivan, senior executive, business advisor, university lecturer and author of Building B2B Relationships. Together, we explore why trust, empathy and curiosity remain the most powerful differentiators for leaders and organisations navigating change.

Topics discussed in this interview:

• Rethinking the outdated sales stereotype
• Emotional investment in business partnerships
• Internal collaboration for revenue growth
• Human connection as AI advantage
• Relationship capital as strategic asset

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the power of human-centered leadership and discover why slowing down could be your organization’s greatest competitive advantage. In this thought-provoking episode, executive coach and “Time to Think” expert Jane Adshead-Grant joins host Helen Wada to explore how deep listening, psychological safety, and compassionate leadership can bridge the gap between human value and business growth in today’s hyper-pressured workplaces.

Hear candid stories from Jane's decades-long journey in financial services and coaching, including practical frameworks leaders are using to boost trust, fuel innovation, and tackle burnout. Learn why “soft skills” are actually the hardest—and most critical—tools for modern teams to thrive, and how simple practices like intentional pauses and thinking environments can transform not just meetings but whole cultures.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, team builder, or simply passionate about creating better work environments, this episode arms you with actionable insights and reflection questions to become more present, build stronger connections, and drive real results in the age of AI and constant change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—your people (and your performance) will thank you.

Topics Discussed:

• Human centered leadership strategies
• Crisis of connection and trust
• Compassionate leadership development skills
• Generative listening in organizations

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the secrets to building sustainable high performance and preventing burnout with human-centred leadership strategies that actually work. In this energizing episode, we dive deep into the real-world challenges leaders face in today’s high-pressure workplaces—exploring actionable ways to prioritize wellbeing, nurture resilience, and create thriving teams that deliver commercial results.

Executive coach and former solicitor Lisa Boyd joins Helen Wada to share compelling stories and expert insights from her two decades of helping professional leaders break the cycle of overwork, set healthy boundaries, and adapt to fast-changing business environments. You’ll discover how leaders can use psychological know-how to boost performance without sacrificing humanity, why adaptability and honest conversations are the new superpowers, and what every generation—Gen Z to Boomers—needs to collaborate and grow together.

Learn practical coaching tools for reframing negative self-talk, tips for understanding your personal values, and small daily habits to safeguard your energy. Whether you’re an overworked high-performing professional, a business leader seeking to drive results through people, or anyone curious about the future of sustainable leadership, this episode arms you with the mindset and methods for lasting success. Listen now and start building your commercial advantage—the human way!

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centred leadership and resilience
• Building sustainable high performance
• Impact of organizational culture change
• Importance of emotional intelligence skills
• Strategies for managing workplace burnout

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Want to master the art of successful business partnerships and unlock the commercial power of human connection at work? In this must-listen episode, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of procurement, supply chain, and human-centered leadership with industry veteran Stephen Day, Chief Procurement Officer at Kantar Group.

Whether you’re a seasoned sales pro or new to corporate partnerships, Stephen shares eye-opening insights on what buyers really want, how to break through as a trusted partner instead of just a supplier, and the essential “human skills” that AI can never replace. Discover why empathy, curiosity, reframing, and authentic communication are the real “hard skills” of the modern workplace—and how embracing them can move you from lost deals to lasting relationships.

Packed with practical examples, negotiation secrets, and heartfelt stories of career lessons learned, this episode will shift your view of procurement and arm you with the tools to build better business from the inside out. If you’re ready to bring more humanity, confidence, and success to your working world, don’t miss this conversation!

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Human-centered leadership in business
• Commercial advantage of being human
• Importance of empathy at work
• Navigating procurement and partnerships
• Building trusted business relationships

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the secret to more powerful, productive conversations in your professional and personal life by discovering the transformative potential of your own voice. In this eye-opening episode of the Human Wise Podcast, people developer and Voiceprint creator Alan Robertson joins host Helen Wada to reveal how self-awareness, intentional communication, and data-driven tools can dramatically boost your influence and connection with others.

We delve into why most workplace talk happens subconsciously—and how harnessing conscious, considerate communication unleashes better collaboration, trust, and leadership impact. Alan explains his Voiceprint model, which categorizes our conversational approaches into three core “buckets,” and shares actionable strategies to shape your talk for influencing, exploring, or collaborating with colleagues, clients, and teams. Plus, hear practical stories from Alan’s extensive background in industrial relations, people management, and coaching, with relatable tips to address difficult conversations, read the room, and adapt your voice for any situation.

Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or looking to strengthen workplace relationships, this episode equips you with the mindset and methods to become more human—and more effective—at work. Don’t miss this game-changing guide to leveling up your conversations and driving positive change, one voice at a time!

Topics Discussed:

• Effective communication in the workplace
• Developing self-awareness in conversations
• Using data to explore speaking styles
• Building trust through active listening
• Influencing leaders with conversational techniques

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

Building authentic human connections at work is more vital—and more challenging—than ever in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this inspiring episode, host Helen  is joined by Sara Hope, executive coach and founder of The Conversation Space, and rising auctioneer Luke Harris to reveal how powerful, genuine conversations can transform business relationships and accelerate success.

Discover how embracing curiosity, asking better questions, and creating intentional space for real dialogue sets top performers apart—whether you’re leading a team, navigating your first job, or developing client trust in high-stakes sales. Sara shares key lessons from her book on "conversational wisdom" and explains the science and heart behind meaningful connections. Meanwhile, Luke offers a fresh Gen Z perspective, bringing anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey and sharing tips for young professionals on building confidence, resilience, and rapport—even over the phone or in intimidating boardrooms.

Walk away with actionable strategies to foster openness, tackle difficult conversations, and make business development feel natural (instead of scary!). If you want to build impactful relationships and thrive in an evolving workplace, this episode is a must-listen for professionals of any generation.

Topics Discussed:

• Building human connection at work
• Power of authentic workplace conversations
• Importance of curiosity in relationships
• Creating psychologically safe environments
• Developing business development skills

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Unlock the commercial power of kindness and transform your workplace culture with practical, research-backed insights on why human connection is the real engine of business success. In this episode, Human Wise host Helen Wada sits down with leadership expert and workplace kindness champion Natalie Semmens, who shares her journey from leading major technology programs at top firms to founding a company devoted to bringing kindness into the heart of organizations.

Discover how acts of compassion drive engagement, retention, and profitability—supported by data, memorable stories, and actionable strategies. Natalie reveals the often-overlooked link between kindness and bottom-line results, why traditional “hard-nosed” business mindsets are outdated, and how even small gestures can spark transformational change for teams and leaders.

Packed with inspiration for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone eager to future-proof their organization, this episode delivers tangible steps you can take today to nurture a kinder, more resilient workforce—without losing sight of commercial goals. Tune in and learn how harnessing the human advantage isn’t just good for people, but great for business.

Topics Discussed:

• Kindness in workplace leadership
• Commercial value of human connection
• Employee engagement and business performance
• Building trust in client relationships
• Impact of technology on human skills

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

Welcome to Human Wise, the podcast that explores the commercial advantage of being human at work.

With host Helen Wada, executive coach and founder of The Human Advantage, each episode will explore what being human at work looks like across a wide range of industries, from people in senior management to those on the ground.

What does it take to be an authentic leader who drives results without losing your humanity? In this energizing episode, we unlock actionable leadership insights for today’s fast-paced, people-focused workplace. Our guest, Jason Cotta—newly appointed CEO of Arcturus Group—shares how he rose from shop floor to the boardroom, why emotional intelligence is your superpower in business, and how the next generation is reshaping the rules of work-life balance.

Explore the real challenges of balancing commercial success with employee wellbeing, the crucial role of vulnerability and trust in leading teams, and why courage, curiosity, and humility are essential for sustainable business growth—whether you’re facing tough markets, rapid change, or the everyday pressures of leadership.

Discover practical strategies to build influence, handle power dynamics, and create partnerships rooted in respect and transparency. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and empower others to realize their full potential, this conversation is packed with wisdom and motivation to help you—and your team—thrive.

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered leadership strategies
• Integrating commercial and people priorities
• Navigating power dynamics at work
• Building trust through authentic communication
• Supporting sustainable business growth

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

Read HUMAN-WISE: How to lead from within and sell with confidence

Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada

The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/