Unlock the secrets to thriving in an unpredictable world by embracing creativity and innovation in your professional life. In this eye-opening episode of the Human Wise Podcast, host Helen Wada is joined by the inspiring Margaret Heffernan, a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and prolific writer. Margaret shares insights from her upcoming book, "Embracing Uncertainty," and delves into how artists, musicians, and writers navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern work.

Explore how Margaret's curiosity-driven mindset has fueled her success across diverse fields, from running companies to mentoring leaders. Discover why traditional management techniques often stifle creativity and why cultivating a culture of experimentation and adaptability is crucial in today's workplace. With vivid examples, Margaret highlights the importance of creating space for creative thought, allowing employees to solve complex problems and innovate fearlessly.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging human potential for dynamic growth and success. Don't miss this chance to transform your approach to leadership and make a lasting impact in your organization.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Embracing uncertainty in business
• Creativity in corporate environments
• Curiosity-driven leadership strategies
• Enhancing human potential at work
• Impact of complex systems on management

View extended shownotes here

Further links to follow:

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.

Unlock the secrets to thriving in today's complex work environments with insights into human-centered leadership. In this enlightening episode, we join Sophie Turner, a partner development coach and PhD candidate, as she delves into the evolving dynamics of professional partnerships and the imperative of authentic leadership. Discover why Sophie believes that genuine human connection and understanding one's true self are pivotal in navigating the challenges of modern workplaces.

We tackle the impact of commercial pressures on leadership, the essential fuel for replenishment, and the often-overlooked necessity of stepping out of comfort zones. Sophie shares transformative insights from her research on high-achieving professionals and the psychology behind preventing burnout in uncertain times. Additionally, explore actionable steps that both individuals and leaders can adopt to foster human-centric workplaces that lead to tangible commercial success.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, HR professional, or anyone keen on enhancing workplace dynamics, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of how authenticity at work can drive both personal and organizational growth. Don’t miss this chance to redefine success through a human-centric lens—your professional trajectory could depend on it!

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered leadership skills
• Challenges in professional partnerships
• Importance of human connection
• Authenticity in workplace culture
• Overcoming fear of rejection

Click here to view the extended shownotes

Further links to follow:

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.

Discover the art of being human at work and the challenges of leadership in this exciting episode of Human Wise Podcast. Join Bill Berman, founder of Berman Leadership, as he delves into the essence of authentic leadership and navigating the complex tapestry of career paths in 2025. Bill shares invaluable insights from his journey as a psychologist turned executive coach, revealing how breadth of experience empowers leaders to drive meaningful change in today's dynamic workplace environment.

Explore themes of authenticity, timing, and tact at work, and the balancing act between prioritizing individual needs versus organizational demands. Helen Wada and Bill Berman engage in a rich discussion about creating a human-centered workplace while maintaining commercial edge—transforming challenges into opportunities. Whether you're an executive, aspiring leader, or curious professional, this episode equips you with actionable strategies to foster sustainable success and cultivate a more human working world. Don't miss out on transforming your professional approach with these thought-provoking insights.

Topics Discussed:

• Executive coaching for business leaders
• Balancing individual and organization needs
• Psychological safety in workplace relationships
• Importance of self-awareness in leadership
• Building trust through deeper conversations

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

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.

Unlock the secrets of successful sales with a human touch! In this transformative episode of the Human Wise Podcast, Alex Smith, a super sales leader and Senior Account Executive at Docebo, dives deep into integrating humanity within the commercial world. Discover how empathy, trust, and authentic connections can redefine your sales strategy and why everyone is inherently part of the sales process—across all professions. Alex shares his Midwest upbringing influences, the importance of being more than just your sales numbers, and how to balance commercial pressures with genuine human interactions.

We explore his compelling journey from journalism to sales, and how a mindset shift can transform your sales approach. Learn about the art of facilitating relationships, asking the right questions, and why your role is more than hitting quotas but about making a meaningful contribution. Whether you're a seasoned salesperson or someone discovering your hidden sales skills, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating authentic business relationships that last. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation that proves the heart of successful sales lies in being human.

Topics Discussed:

• Building trust in sales
• Managing resilience in sales
• Balancing commercial pressures and human connection
• Importance of empathy in sales
• Effective sales strategies

View Extended Shownotes here

About Alex Smith

• Follow Alex on Linkedin
• Listen to the Sell by Being Human Podcast

Alex Smith is a Senior Account Executive at Docebo and the host of the "Sell By Being Human" podcast, focusing on human skills and understanding in sales, emphasizing empathy and connection to drive success. 

Further links to follow:

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.

In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, Helen engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Orton, a dynamic leader from South Africa renowned for her strategic insights and passion for human-centric design. This episode invites listeners into a world where curiosity and creativity lead the way, encouraging organizations to rethink business strategies for long-term value and sustainability.

Heather, currently steering the strategy and innovation for Parthen across Africa, unpacks her career journey which spans top global companies like KPMG and Accenture, as well as unique experiences with the royal household. Her diverse experiences have shaped her philosophy on the importance of being human at work, championing an environment that celebrates individuality and authenticity in the workplace. Heather shares her approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of empowering teams and fostering an inclusive work culture that embraces neurodiversity and personal challenges.

In a decidedly interconnected world, this episode explores the delicate balance between human-centric leadership and commercial adeptness. Helen and Heather discuss the necessity of commercial skills in today’s business landscape, highlighting how relationship-building and effective communication are integral to professional success. Heather reveals her insights into developing commercial acumen, drawing from her extensive experience in various commercial sectors and not-for-profit initiatives.

Perfect for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills or those curious about the intersection of empathy and business success, this episode provides practical advice and thoughtful reflections on being more human at work

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered workplace strategies
• Consultant skills for business development
• Impact of curiosity in leadership
• Navigating commercial skills in careers
• Relationship-building in business settings

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

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.

Unlock the secrets to redefining corporate reward systems by placing the human element at the core of financial advantage. In this insightful episode, Rahim Rajan, a leading expert from Andaz Advantage, delves into the evolving landscape of employee compensation, advocating for transparency, trust, and authenticity within organizations. Discover how legislative changes are reshaping the way businesses handle pay equity and transparency and learn why addressing these issues can create a culture of openness and inclusivity.

We explore Rahim's journey and expertise in restructuring pay philosophies to benefit both businesses and employees, emphasizing the crucial role of open dialogues and innovative reward approaches. Dive into the complexities of performance assessment, the delicate balance of individual versus collective negotiation, and real-world strategies for enhancing job satisfaction and fairness in the workplace.

Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or an employee seeking to understand the intricacies of company reward systems, this episode provides valuable perspectives on making workplaces more human-centered. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights on fostering a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued.

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centered reward approaches
• Pay transparency legislative changes
• Building trust through communication
• Flexible compensation and benefits
• Defining pay fairness principles

View Extended Shownotes here

About Rahim Rajan

• Follow Rahim on LinkedIn

Rahim is Director at Andaze Advantage, a reward consultancy that helps organisations realise long-term financial advantage through their reward programs while delivering employee engagement gains. His current clients are in the e-commerce and accounting sectors.  Rahim has considerable experience in truly global Reward leadership roles with different ownership models and industries.  He has a proven track record in delivering innovative reward programs and is an advocate for pay equity and greater transparency and authenticity in rewards. 

Further links to follow:

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 mean to truly be human at work, and how can we redefine success to incorporate authenticity and connection? In this insightful episode of Human Wise, we dive deep with Karl Edge, the chief people officer at KPMG UK and Switzerland. Discover how Karl's diverse background—from actor to accountant—shapes his philosophy on leadership and balance in the modern work environment.

Explore themes like the shift from "human doing" to "human being," how to sustain energy and prevent burnout, and why presence and listening matter more than ever in client and team relationships. Karl shares his philosophies on weaving humanity into commerciality, the power of mentorship, and creating psychological safety to challenge and innovate.

For professionals, leaders, and anyone seeking a more fulfilling workplace experience, this episode offers actionable insights and reflections on blending personal purpose with professional success. Don’t miss Karl's wisdom on crafting a work-life balance that honors both your identity and your career aspirations.

Topics Discussed:

• Authenticity in leadership roles
• Balancing career and family
• Human-centered leadership importance
• Building long-term client relationships
• Impact of being present at work

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

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.

Why are customer relationships the secret weapon to thriving businesses in today's complex world? Listen to this insightful episode as we uncover the power of customer-centric transformation with Hamish Taylor, an acclaimed expert in innovation and change management. Discover how Taylor leverages cross-industry insights to drive success and build trust by truly understanding customer needs.

Learn how to shift from focusing on personal success to enabling others, and explore the critical role of listening and empathy in creating valuable customer interactions. Taylor shares compelling examples from his diverse career, explaining how lessons from unexpected industries like yacht design and rugby refereeing can revolutionize traditional business practices.

Whether you're a leader striving to enhance company culture or a sales professional seeking stronger client connections, this episode offers transformative insights on making business more human-centered. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink how you engage with customers and unlock the full potential of your business relationships!

Topics Discussed:

• Customer centricity as basis
• Building trust with clients
• Insights for customer understanding
• Engaging effectively with customers
• Innovative thinking in business

View Extended Shownotes here

About Hamish Taylor

• Follow Hamish on LinkedIn

With a CV that the London Times described as “takes some beating”, Hamish Taylor has an award winning record of driving innovation and change in a number of very different environments. 

Today, he is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in customer centricity as a basis for Transformation, Great Service and Innovation

Hamish was trained in Brand management at international consumer goods giant Procter and Gamble, a Management Consultant at Price Waterhouse, Head of Brands at British Airways, CEO of International high speed railway Eurostar, and CEO of Sainsburys Bank – all before he was 40! In each case, he left behind a record of significant growth/turnaround triggered by a willingness to challenge industry/organisation norms and place the customer at the core of all activities.  

Regularly featured in broadcast media, today Hamish acts as an adviser to some of the world’s largest companies (and Governments).  Over 350 organizations in 48 different countries have sought Hamish’s inspiration. 

The Inspired Leaders Network even gave him the title of “master thief” due to his record of stealing ideas from one environment to use in another.

Further links to follow:

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.

Unlock the secret to transforming workplace dynamics by embracing a human-centered approach at work. In this episode, we welcome Jo Wright, the founder of Coaching Culture, who passionately believes in the power of coaching to foster authentic and thriving work environments. Explore how Jo's journey from corporate roles to becoming a champion for change has shaped her mission to democratize coaching and self-awareness in organizations.

We delve into Jo's fascinating personal story, her groundbreaking book "No More Shit Managers," and the innovative ways she's making coaching accessible to all. Discover the compelling case for integrating coaching into corporate DNA, proven strategies to measure impact, and the challenges of shifting entrenched workplace cultures. Jo provides actionable insights on cultivating self-belief, the art of thoughtful questioning, and creating transformative conversations that empower teams and leaders alike.

If you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone eager to foster a vibrant and humane workplace culture, this episode is your roadmap. Join us as we explore the future of work with Jo Wright and equip yourself with the tools to champion a coaching culture in your organization. 

Topics Discussed:

• The goal of making coaching accessible to more people in organizations
• The power of questioning and self-awareness in coaching
• Shifting from transactional to transformational conversations
• Continuous growth and adapting with the changing work environment
• The importance of authenticity in the workplace

View Extended Shownotes here

Further links to follow:

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.

In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, host Helen welcomes Liz Villani, founder of Be Yourself at Work, to explore the transformative power of authenticity in the workplace. Liz shares her incredible journey from a challenging upbringing in Warwickshire to founding her own company that helps professionals thrive by embracing their true selves. With a background in manufacturing and over a decade of experience in retail at Sainsbury’s, Liz reveals insights into the role of personal values and character in professional success.

Throughout the conversation, Liz and Helen unpack essential strategies for becoming your true self at work, including the importance of understanding and amplifying your unique traits. Liz passionately discusses how knowing who you are can lead to greater fulfillment and efficiency, both personally and professionally. They delve into techniques like AI-enhanced personal development and combating imposter syndrome, offering practical advice for listeners aiming to navigate their careers confidently and authentically.

The episode also touches on the evolving role of technology in our professional lives. Liz emphasizes the need for human-centric AI and how it can enhance our productivity while maintaining our individual essence. Helen and Liz also discuss the future of work, suggesting that the integration of technology and human skills will be paramount for success.

Topics Discussed:

• Human at work narrative
• Amplifying your uniqueness
• Impact of AI on work
• Developing human connection
• Building professional confidence

View Extended Shownotes here:

About  Liz Villani

• Follow Liz on LinkedIn
• Learn more about #beyourselfatwork

Liz is the matriarch behind the global #BeYourselfAtWork movement.  A true innovator, Liz's pioneering approaches position her as a thought leader and game-changer.  She volunteers for the UK Department of Business and Trade as an Export Champion, inspiring others to take their businesses global.  With an enormous passion for work, she is now successfully challenging tech giants, governments and businesses to create a shift in humanity because of how we work with AI.  Placing the BY@W product iAM, into Agents and Apps to hyper-personalise the experience, making it irresistible and a force for good that shifts humanity.  Liz’s clients include household brands and global leaders.  She has been published in multiple national and international press including the BBC, Management Today, Grazia and HR news. 

Further links to follow:

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

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