In Part Two, of this dynamic discussion, Richard Walker challenges tech executives Melissa Flicek and Jim Graham to reveal practical strategies for driving organizational change. Melissa shares her Medtronic breakthrough—creating an illustrative prototype that won over skeptical Australian leaders ("I don't care if it's fake—it's better than what I have!")—demonstrating her "start with the willing" approach to transformation. Jim unpacks his stakeholder analysis framework: leveraging peer insights to identify innovators versus laggards while strategically importing cross-industry talent to "rattle cages.” 

The trio debates high-stakes leadership dilemmas, from cultural upheaval responses ("Some make change happen, some watch, some wonder what hit them") to influencing through business fluency. Richard delivers hard truths about shifting global tech hiring—including how nearshoring trends are halving opportunities for U.S. graduates—while reflecting on relationship equity as his networking lifeline. His career advice to a struggling grad ("Your net worth mirrors your network") sparks raw wisdom, including personal mantras: Say yes to every opportunity, treat all people equally, and maintain insatiable curiosity. 

Closing with powerful final thoughts—Melissa's call to "authentically invest in partnerships," Jim's "stay curious" ethos, and Richard's advocacy for human-centric leadership—this episode equips listeners to turn resistance into momentum through prepared prototyping, stakeholder mapping, and relentless relationship-building.

Join Richard Walker for an unfiltered conversation with two visionary technology executives—Melissa Flicek and Jim Graham—as they dissect the non-technical traits that propelled them to CIO/CTO-level success. Rejecting outdated "techie in the corner" stereotypes, Melissa reveals how her "million questions" philosophy and passion for talent development drove innovation, while Jim shares why sitting in the "right chair at the right time" (paired with radical humility) unlocked transformative opportunities. Together, they unpack why curiosity isn’t innate—it’s cultivated through discomfort, personal development plans, and shadowing customer service teams to uncover automation goldmines.

Discover why authentic leadership means discussing Real Housewives in the boardroom (Melissa’s signature move) and treating relationships as "the long game" where high "say-do ratios" build unshakeable trust. Learn Jim’s framework for dissecting business levers before deploying tech, and Melissa’s counterintuitive "start with the willing" strategy for driving change—where consistent base hits trump risky home runs. They debate networking’s hidden power (hint: internal allies matter most), why failed interviews can be blessings ("If you can’t be authentic, it wasn’t the right fit"), and how to ask questions that expose real business needs.


Perfect for aspiring leaders and seasoned execs alike, this episode delivers actionable tools to transform from order-taker to strategic partner—one relationship, one question, and one uncomfortable growth moment at a time.

In Part 2, Richard Walker continues his deep dive with Zach Mercurio into the power of "mattering"—the belief that we are seen, valued, and needed by those around us. Building on their earlier conversation, Zach and Richard explore how small, intentional interactions can combat the growing loneliness epidemic and disengagement in workplaces and society.   Zach shares his research-backed framework for fostering mattering: **Noticed, Affirmed, and Needed**. He reveals how simple acts—like holding a door, asking meaningful questions, or remembering personal details—can transform relationships and organizational culture. The discussion also tackles the dangers of "learned helplessness," where people disengage because they feel their contributions don’t matter, and how leaders can reverse this trend by creating environments where everyone feels indispensable.   The episode closes with powerful insights from high-performing teams—from the U.S. Army Special Forces to the Blue Angels—showing how mattering fuels resilience and excellence. Whether you’re a leader, teammate, or simply someone striving to make others feel valued, this conversation is a masterclass in the art of human connection.  Tune in to discover how you can close the "mattering deficit" in your own life and work—one meaningful interaction at a time.

Richard Walker sits down with Zach Mercurio, a leading expert on the concept of "mattering," to explore how feeling valued and significant impacts motivation, performance, and well-being in the workplace. Zach shares his personal journey from a disengaged employee in the advertising world to a researcher dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate a sense of purpose and connection. The conversation delves into the critical difference between having a job that matters and experiencing mattering in your job, highlighting how small, meaningful interactions—not promotions or paychecks—truly make people feel seen and valued. Richard and Zach also tackle the challenges of modern work environments, from the pitfalls of hybrid work and digital communication to the alarming trends of loneliness and disengagement. They discuss the urgent need to reskill leaders in relational competencies and the role of empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection in fostering high-performing teams. Tune in for an insightful and timely discussion that will challenge how you think about work, leadership, and the future of human connection in an increasingly automated world.

In Part 2, Richard Walker and Graham Allcott dive deeper into the profound impact of kindness on workplace performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Graham, author of Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, explores the neuroscience behind kindness, revealing how acts of compassion release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, benefiting not only the giver and receiver but also those who witness these acts. The discussion highlights the "Mother Teresa Effect," where witnessing kindness boosts immune systems and inspires others to pay it forward. Graham shares powerful examples, including a story about a single kidney donation that sparked a chain reaction of 29 additional donations, illustrating how kindness creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial act. Richard and Graham also tackle the barriers to kindness, particularly the fear of misinterpretation, and how cultural differences, especially in the UK, can amplify this hesitation. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and seizing those fleeting moments to act kindly, whether in a meeting or on public transport. The conversation shifts to the concept of abundance versus scarcity mentality, with Graham arguing that choosing kindness fosters a culture of trust and psychological safety, essential for high-performing teams. Richard shares a personal story about a serendipitous act of kindness that led to an unexpected reward, reinforcing the idea that living with an abundance mindset can lead to positive outcomes. Finally, Graham offers practical advice for listeners looking to cultivate more kindness in their lives, emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and slowing down to be more present. He outlines actionable steps from his book, encouraging everyone to embrace kindness as a daily practice. Tune in to discover how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, transforming not only your workplace but also your life. Whether you're a leader, team member, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you harness the quiet power of kindness.

Richard sits down with Graham Allcott, a renowned thought-leader, entrepreneur, and author of the book Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work. Graham shares his journey from working in charities to founding Think Productive, a business focused on productivity and organization, and how his experiences led him to explore the transformative power of kindness in the workplace. The conversation delves into the often-overlooked role of kindness as a strategic advantage in business. Graham challenges the traditional archetype of the "business bastard" and argues that kindness fosters trust, empathy, and psychological safety—key ingredients for high-performing teams. He also addresses common misconceptions about kindness being "soft" or "ineffective," providing compelling evidence and practical strategies to cultivate a kinder, more productive work environment. Listeners will gain insights into how kindness can improve company culture, boost employee retention, and drive engagement. Graham shares inspiring examples, including the UK-based company Timpson, which has built a thriving business by embedding kindness into its core values. The episode also touches on the importance of humility, empathy, and the role of ego in leadership. Whether you're a business leader, team member, or simply someone interested in creating a more positive workplace, this episode offers valuable lessons on how kindness can be a powerful tool for success. Tune in to discover how small acts of kindness can lead to big changes in your organization and beyond.

In Part Two of this episode, Richard continues his conversation with Barry Conchie, founder of Conchie Associates and renowned leadership expert. Barry shares profound insights on leadership, including the myths surrounding introverts versus extroverts, the importance of intentionality in focusing on top performers, and how self-awareness shapes exceptional leadership. The discussion also touches on the pivotal role of mentors, the impact of recognizing untapped potential, and the art of guiding individuals toward their true "U-shaped hole"—the roles that align perfectly with their unique talents and strengths. Barry reflects on the profound influence of key figures in his own life and offers listeners inspiring advice on finding fulfillment both personally and professionally. This episode concludes with powerful takeaways on creating meaningful impact and pursuing a career that brings joy and purpose. Don’t miss the final part of this insightful and honest dialogue!

Richard sits down with Barry Conchie, founder of Conchie Associates and renowned leadership expert. Barry, a former Gallup leader and co-author of the bestseller Strengths-Based Leadership, dives deep into his career journey, his fascination with human performance, and the startling research behind his latest book, The Five Talents That Really Matter. Together, Richard and Barry explore the critical differences between leadership and management, why 80% of managers aren't fit for their roles, and the traits that set exceptional leaders apart. Barry candidly reflects on his own challenges as a manager and his evolution into a leadership expert. This conversation is both insightful and refreshingly honest, offering actionable takeaways for leaders, aspiring managers, and anyone passionate about organizational excellence.

In this thought-provoking continuation of this episode, Richard and Sandra Matz delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition, leadership development, and interpersonal dynamics in the corporate world. Richard shares insights about his company's innovative Emerging Talent Program, which uses AI-driven tools to evaluate candidates based on their natural problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills rather than traditional credentials. This approach aims to provide opportunities for talented individuals who may not have followed conventional educational paths. The conversation touches on the Peter Principle, which suggests that people are often promoted to their level of incompetence, highlighting the critical need for leadership training programs, especially for technical professionals transitioning into management roles. Both Richsard and Sandra emphasize the paramount importance of interpersonal skills, political awareness, and effective information sharing for success in leadership positions, noting that these soft skills often determine career advancement more than technical expertise. The episode concludes with a discussion on the complexity of knowing how to share the right information with the right people at the right time and in the right way, underscoring the multifaceted nature of effective leadership in today's corporate environment.

Sandra Matz, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Mindmasters," discusses the concept of psychological targeting with Richard. Sandra explains how modern technology allows for the analysis of digital footprints to predict and potentially influence human behavior, drawing parallels to her experiences growing up in a small German village. The discussion touches on the ethical implications of such targeting, the importance of soft skills in leadership roles, and the challenges of transitioning from technical to managerial positions. Richard shares his company's innovative approach to talent acquisition, which focuses on evaluating candidates' natural problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills rather than traditional credentials. Both Sandra and Richard emphasize the significance of effective communication, teamwork, and understanding human dynamics in achieving success in both personal and professional contexts.