Human Wise

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:

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 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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

Unlock the secrets to thriving in business and life with insights from a trailblazer in technology and leadership. In this inspiring episode, former CEO and chairman of Cisco UK and Ireland, Phil Smith, CBE, shares his journey from a microbiology graduate to a top executive at one of the world's leading tech companies. Discover the power of empathy, kindness, and relationship-building in transforming careers and driving commercial success.

Phil unpacks the significance of human-centric skills in today's AI-driven world, the value of authentic salesmanship, and how personal passions can fuel professional excellence. Through rich anecdotes and practical advice, he reveals how to merge technical expertise with a people-first mindset to achieve remarkable results.

Join us as we delve into the importance of connecting with others, leveraging curiosity, and embracing challenges in both personal and professional realms. Whether you're a young professional, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about blending technology and humanity, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable insights.

Topics Discussed:

• Balancing technology and humanity
• Skills for successful sales careers
• Humanizing remote work interactions
• Importance of kindness in leadership
• Developing relationship-building skills

View Extended Shownotes here:

About Phil Smith

• Follow Phil on LinkedIn
• Follow phsmithuk on X

Chairman IQE PLC. Retired CEO and Chair of Cisco UK and Ireland and now Chairman and Non-Exec Director and Chair of the Digital Skills Partnership. Former Chair of Innovate UK, The Tech Partnership. I am also a trustee of the Productivity Leadership Group/Be the Business, a member of Digital Economy Council and sit on the advisory board of Lloyds Register, The National Theatre, and the University of Coventry. Non-exec Chairman of Appyway and Streeva and a board member of UKCloud

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.

Are you ready to unlock your full potential through the power of self-awareness and overcoming your imposter syndrome? In this thought-provoking episode of the Human Wise Podcast, Helen Wada sits down with Jane Greenman, a managing director at Thales and an expert in emotional intelligence, to discuss how tuning into both internal and external signals can transform your personal and professional life. Jane shares her journey through the tech industry, valuable insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership.

We delve into the idea of creating safe work environments that foster psychological safety and innovation. Jane sheds light on how self-awareness and understanding blind spots can boost confidence and clarify life’s direction. She also challenges listeners with a reflective question: What will you do this year to step out of your comfort zone and achieve personal growth?

From the impact of energy and presence in communication to the nuances of client negotiations, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, build better relationships, or simply grow as an individual, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice. 

Topics Discussed:

• Holistic listening and self-awareness
• Authenticity in male-dominated industries
• Psychological safety in the workplace
• Neurolinguistic programming for confidence
• Understanding deeper client needs

View Extended Shownotes here:

About Jane Greenman

• Follow Jane on Linkedin
• Visit Thales to learn more

Self-motivated Executive Leader with over 25 years’ experience in Industry and Defence sectors; Aerospace, Security, Telecoms, Transportation and Space. Passionate interest in technology to explore innovative ways of delivering sustainable growth for industry and value-driven products and services for customers. Jane is on track to receive her EMCC accredited Diploma in Transformational Coaching, as she supports teams and individuals to reach their full potential.

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.

Discover how setting workplace boundaries and fostering genuine human connections can revolutionize your work-from-home life in the latest Human Wise Podcast episode. Former Easyjet airline captain Emma Henderson joins host Helen Wada to discuss her journey from aspiring lawyer to commercial pilot, and the transformative role empathy played in her career. With invaluable insights on creating work-life balance, the importance of peer support, and the challenges of remote work, Emma shares her experiences co-founding a support initiative for NHS staff during COVID-19, and how stepping out of her comfort zone led to new opportunities.

Tune in as Emma reveals her plans to run a half marathon for the first time in 20 years and climb Kilimanjaro for charity, reflecting on her career, workplace culture, and the importance of maintaining human connections in modern work environments. Learn why establishing boundaries, pursuing personal goals, and embracing humility and humor can make all the difference in your professional and personal life.

This episode offers inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of remote work, aiming for career growth, or striving for a better work-life balance in 2025 and beyond.

Topics Discussed:

• Balancing work-life boundaries remotely
• Initiatives supporting NHS workers
• Human connection in remote workplaces
• Stepping outside comfort zones
• Grounded leadership principles in business

View Extended Shownotes here

About Emma Henderson

• Buy Grounded, Emma’s book
• Read Emma’s Blog - Folding My Wings
• Follow Emma on LinkedIn

Multi-award-winning Professional Speaker, Author, Airline Captain, Founder and CEO of Project Wingman Foundation Ltd.

Does your leadership team know how to lead, and know what the difference is between Leading and Managing? Do you want to lead a diverse and inclusive team that feels empowered and understands what their purpose is in your workplace? Do you want to know how to manage "the Great Return" and build successful teams in these days of Hybrid and Remote working?

What do you do when something goes wrong? How do you manage it and how do you teach your teams to solve problems? Do you have a tried and tested way of making decisions that works for everyone in your company? And how do you and your personnel manage the stresses and strains of everyday life and keep a healthy balance in your workplace?

With over 30 years experience in the aviation industry as a pilot and working for a large European airline as one of fewer than 500 female airline captains in the world, I not only learned how to LEAD FROM THE FRONT, I was taught and assessed on essential LEADERSHIP SKILLS which I put into practice every day.

When I took Voluntary Redundancy in 2020 from the career I loved, I didn't even know I had these skills but I have learned that not only am I an expert, I use stories from behind the (locked and bulletproof) flight deck door to show you and your teams how to put these skills into practice.

I will GIVE YOU these Decision Making tools and frameworks and SHOW YOU how to use them to improve Decision Making

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.

In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada hosts Philippa White, founder of Thai Leadership and author of 'Return on Humanity'. They discuss Philippa's diverse background, her transformative experiences in South Africa and Brazil, and her innovative approach to leadership development. 

The conversation highlights the commercial benefits of embracing human-centered practices in the workplace, supported by research from McKinsey and Gallup. They also touch on the challenges of shifting traditional business mindsets towards more empathetic and holistic leadership. 

The episode encourages listeners to consider how they can step out of their comfort zones and adopt more human-centric practices in their professional lives.

Topics Discussed:

• Human-centric leadership development programs
• Importance of relationship-building skills
• Shifts in global business practices
• Long-term leadership and self-awareness
• Benefits of diverse leadership roles

View Extended Shownotes with resources mentioned in this episode here

About Philippa White

• Visit Philippa’s website
• Buy Philippa’s book: Return on Humanity: Leadership lessons from all corners of the world
• Follow Philippa on Linkedin

What sets Philippa apart is her ability to tackle core challenges that organisations face today—disengaged employees, siloed teams, a lack of innovation, and resistance to change. In a world marked by quiet quitting, disconnection, and a scarcity mindset, Philippa is dedicated to reigniting leaders and teams. Her approach transcends profit-driven goals, focusing on cultivating environments where people unite around a shared purpose, break out of silos, and embrace new, innovative ways of thinking. 

Born in South Africa, raised in Canada, running a business in the UK and residing in Brazil, Philippa’s global experience offers a rich, cross-cultural perspective that informs her every talk. Whether addressing dominant voices, team stagnation, or lack of collaboration, she creates the space for leaders to reflect, adapt, and grow. 

As an international speaker, author of the international bestselling book Return on Humanity, and host of the TIE Unearthed podcast, Philippa combines powerful storytelling with actionable insights. She helps audiences shift perspectives, embrace challenges and become more adaptable and engaged. 

With over 60 published articles and two decades of experience working with top global companies, she deeply understands the pressures leaders face and provides practical solutions that resonate deeply. 

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.

In this episode of HumanWISE, Helen is joined by Jamie Ward, Head of Talent and Learning at Channel 4, to discuss the impact of coaching in the workplace. 

They delve into the importance of kindness, the power of supportive relationships, and the significant performance improvements linked to quality coaching. 

Jamie shares his experiences of implementing a coaching culture at Channel 4 and his personal journey of adjusting to blindness. Their conversation highlights the value of putting others' perspectives at the forefront and fostering better dialogue to drive business success.

Topics Discussed:

• Key Elements of Effective Coaching
• Kindness and Inclusivity in the Workplace
• Challenges and Successes of Implementing Coaching Programs
• Application of Coaching Skills in Management
• Effective Manager-Employee Interactions

View Extended Shownotes here:

About Jamie Ward:

Follow Jamie on Linkedin

Jamie Ward has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. They are currently the Head of Learning and Development at Channel 4 starting in February 2021. Prior to this, Jamie worked as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member at FMLM Applied Ltd starting in 2019. In 2020, Jamie held the role of Interim Organization Development Lead at DS Smith, where they focused on talent management, diversity and inclusion, and performance management. From 2014 to 2020, Jamie was the Global Head of Organization Development at BBC Studios Ltd, leading the transformation of the organization and implementing new frameworks and approaches. They have also held significant leadership roles at PA Consulting, including Managing Consultant, where they worked on various HR projects and supported talent management at well-known companies. Before transitioning to HR roles, Jamie held commercial roles at Rio Tinto and De La Rue.

Jamie Ward holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour from Imperial College London, which was obtained between 2000 and 2004. Prior to that, Jamie obtained an MBA in Business Administration from the same institution, completing it from 1997 to 1999. Jamie also holds a BA in Modern Languages from the University of Leeds, earned from 1982 to 1986. Additionally, Jamie has obtained several certifications including EQ-i 2.0 Certified from EITC in 2019, FCIPD from CIPD in 2018, Tetramap Facilitator from TetraMap UK in 2016, Hogan Accreditation from Hogan.

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/