How can leaders use culture as a true competitive advantage?

In this episode of OxTalks, I sit down with Jo Rice – former Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Resurgo, named Best Place to Work by The Sunday Times in 2024, and creator of the award-winning Spear Programme, which has helped over 10,000 young people overcome barriers to employment.
Drawing on her experience coaching leaders in industries from wealth management to manufacturing, Jo shares how culture isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s the engine that drives engagement, innovation and performance. We explore the neuroscience of trust, how authentic leadership inspires teams, and why ignoring culture during growth can cost you dearly.

Jo’s stories from guiding organisations through mergers, rapid growth and high-stakes transitions reveal practical steps to align teams around shared values, unlock communication and create workplaces where people thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how small cultural shifts can lead to big business wins, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

OxTalks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Is digital overload quietly eroding you and your team’s productivity, focus, and mental health?
In this must-listen episode, we’re joined by Petra Velzeboer—Global TEDx Speaker, CEO, and renowned mental health consultant, to confront the hidden costs of our always-on culture.

From escaping a religious cult and battling addiction, to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in workplace mental health, Petra brings raw honesty, clinical expertise, and business-savvy insights. She’s the author of Digital Wellbeing and host of the Disrupting Wellbeing podcast, challenging how we think about success, performance, and sustainable leadership in the digital age.

Petra unpacks how doom scrolling, notifications, and blurred work–life boundaries are silently draining your team’s focus, resilience, and innovation. More importantly, she offers real solutions used by FTSE leaders and global organisations to:

• Build healthier tech habits that drive performance, not burnout
• Redesign hybrid work with clearer digital boundaries
• Align wellbeing strategy with commercial objectives
• Cultivate a culture of psychological safety, creativity, and meaningful connection

Her challenge to you: Ask your team how your tech habits affect them. The answer may change how you lead.

Want to learn more about Petras work?

Website | LinkedIn 

Get a copy of Petra's Digital Wellbeing book.

OxTalks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Rob Archer, a psychologist renowned for his work in optimising health and enhancing performance under high-pressure conditions. Dr Archer shared insights from his extensive experience with elite sports teams and leading corporate clients, focusing on the crucial roles of high performance routines and effective recovery strategies.

We explored the concept of "high performance routines," which Dr Archer identified as essential frameworks that support individuals and teams in maintaining peak performance by balancing intense work demands with proper recovery. Rob introduced his concept of a High Performance Routine—grounded in circadian science and principles from elite sport—outlining the four key stages that can help us work more effectively and sustainably. These stages provide a structure to our day that promotes focus, energy management, and long-term resilience.

He emphasised that effective recovery is not merely about avoiding burnout, but is vital for sustained high performance and realising one’s full potential. Dr Archer also discussed the common challenges faced by high-performing corporate leaders, particularly the risk of falling into a “flatline” routine of non-stop work without breaks, which can severely impact productivity and health. He offered practical advice on how to structure our days to include focused work periods interspersed with significant recovery times, highlighting the importance of aligning with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Throughout our conversation, Dr Archer provided actionable tips for integrating high performance routines into daily life, ensuring long-term productivity and wellbeing. This episode not only illuminated the psychological aspects of performance but also equipped us with valuable tools to enhance our professional and personal lives.

OxTalks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Ever felt like doing the job isn’t enough—that there’s something else that sets the standout performers apart? In this episode, I’m joined by Gareth Lewis, Executive Coach at Hatwell Group, who brings a rare perspective: 20+ years in private banking and wealth management, followed by a pivot into coaching top talent in finance.

Gareth opens up about hitting a wall during a bank sale, the identity crisis that followed, and how working with a coach changed the game for him. From that turning point, he’s made it his mission to help others navigate the complex world of finance—not just with technical skills, but with emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the personalities around them.

We get into the real stuff: how to build trust in a world built on relationships, how to deal with big egos and tricky dynamics, and how to make an impact—especially when you’re still finding your feet. Gareth shares practical advice on everything from networking and presence to avoiding burnout and learning to speak up, even when you’re the most junior in the room.

It’s straight-talking, no-fluff insight for anyone trying to get ahead—or just stay sane—in the fast-paced world of private banking and finance.

OxTalks is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How can personalised employee development and a focus on purpose drive success in today’s organisations? In this episode of Ox Talks, we sit down with Bradley Honnor, Managing Director of Matchfit, to explore his unique approach to high-performance coaching and organisational development.

Bradley shares his journey from over two decades in corporate management to founding Matchfit, a consultancy that prioritises humanistic, tailored learning experiences over traditional, one-size-fits-all methods. We explore the importance of treating employees as individuals with distinct needs and motivations, as well as how purpose and self-reflection are critical for personal and professional growth.

Our conversation also covers the dynamics within teams, especially in the context of mergers and acquisitions, and highlights the importance of effective communication strategies. Bradley introduces the concept of “campers” and “climbers” to help identify different professional motivations and how these personalities shape organisational success.

We also explore leadership decisions, the role of empowerment in team engagement, and Bradley’s formula for success, which blends a positive mindset, seizing opportunities, and fostering strong people skills.

OxTalks is created by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of Ox Talks, I sit down with Philippa Hann, the incoming CEO of Paradigm Norton Financial Planning. With over 20 years of experience in financial services litigation, Philippa shares her journey from a litigator challenging large financial institutions to a leader in the world of financial planning.

Philippa discusses the emotional toll of cases like the British Steel pension scandal, the complexities of human behaviour in the financial advice sector, and the deep trust clients place in their advisers. She reflects on why good professionals sometimes make decisions they later regret—a topic that has inspired her upcoming book.

In a pivotal moment, Philippa reveals how a conversation with her personal financial planner became the catalyst for change, giving her the push to leave her legal career and explore new opportunities, including writing her book and taking on NED roles. This ultimately led to her appointment as CEO of Paradigm Norton. Her insights into the importance of balancing professional success with personal fulfilment offer valuable lessons for anyone in wealth management, financial planning, or professional services.

This episode is packed with thoughtful reflections on ethics, human behaviour, and the transformative power of financial advice in shaping life's journey.

OxTalks is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Can technology transform how we think about compliance?

In this episode, I explore the cutting-edge world of risk management with Cristian and Gary from Lexverify. They share how their innovative approach, powered by AI and real-time assistance, is revolutionising the way organisations handle compliance, shifting from reactive measures to proactive strategies that keep companies ahead of potential issues.

Cristian shares his unique journey from social scientist to tech entrepreneur, revealing how his deep understanding of human behaviour shapes Lexverify's game-changing solutions. We explore how integrating social sciences into compliance technology can address the human element often overlooked in legal and regulatory contexts.

Gary introduces the intriguing concept of "left of bang" versus "right of bang," offering insights into how organisations can prevent compliance breaches before they happen.

With use cases from financial services to employee well-being, they share how this technology offers real-time feedback and guidance, transforming compliance from a burdensome necessity into an opportunity for growth and integrity.

OxTalks is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

How does the brain react when the stakes are high? Psychologist Jake Lovelock joins me to explore the universal principles behind performance under pressure, revealing why even the best-trained individuals can falter when it matters most. Jake, an elite sports psychologist within F1, Premiership football and Premiership rugby discusses the critical balance between striving for perfection and settling for "good enough," providing actionable insights for anyone facing high-pressure situations, from athletes to corporate professionals. 

Confidence, self-perception, and the growth mindset are pivotal in handling stress. Jake breaks down the ways these mental frameworks influence performance, particularly when anxiety and information overload come into play. Together, we uncover strategies to improve decision-making and maintain composure using real-world examples like sports and public speaking. By redefining stress as a potential enhancer, Jake outlines how to harness anxiety for better outcomes.

OxTalks is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode of OxTalks, I sit down with Matt Falla, Managing Partner of Evelyn Partners Channel Islands.

In this unique episode, Matt shares an open-hearted account of his career journey from traveling across Australia and Asia to the struggles he faced during two mental health breakdowns. Matt walks us through the steps he took to find support, shedding light on the often-unnoticed pressures that come with professional progression.

We discuss how empathy drives his management style and the importance of creating a supportive environment for achieving both personal and professional success. Matt’s story underscores the critical role of self-awareness and the significance of genuine human connections.

OxTalks is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Unlock the secrets to effective risk management and insightful decision-making with Christian Hunt, the host of the Human Risk Podcast. Discover how curiosity and behavioural science can transform organisational compliance.

In this episode, Christian shares his journey from regulating international banks to leading a behavioural science function. Through stories and real-world examples, including the notorious 2017 Oscars mishap, Christian emphasises the importance of cognitive diversity and innovative problem-solving techniques.

Learn how focusing on human behaviour and psychology can unlock sustainable compliance and employee engagement solutions. From crises to new leadership visions, Christian categorises the key moments that drive change and shares how his unconventional approach not only fosters a culture of genuine support for compliance initiatives within organisations but also offers a hopeful view of the future of compliance.

OxTalks is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.