Small Things Make A Big Difference

In this week’s episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I sit down with Tamara Driol, Chief Human Resources Officer at Kedrion, to explore why people are the heartbeat of every business. Tamara shares her perspective on building cultures where individuals feel valued, connected, and inspired to make an impact.

We also have some fun exploring her Italian roots — from her favorite places to visit and personal style, to (of course) her love of gelato. 🍨

👉 Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on leadership, people, and the small things that truly make a big difference.

Your career path isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding trail full of twists, turns, and messy moments. And that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

In the latest episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference, I share lessons from my time at Merlin Entertainments and why “Career paths are not an exact science.”

🎧 Tune in to hear how embracing uncertainty, leaning into your values, and making space for connection can shape not just your career—but your life.

One of the greatest pleasures in doing this podcast is being able to reconnect with old colleagues. I know Sofia from my days at AstraZeneca and now she is CEO of Oncopeptides AB, a biotech company focused on research, development and commercialisation of therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. 

As with anything worthwhile the journey hasn’t always been easy, and Sofia talks about being bold, curious and driven. About dreaming big, and being inquisitive about the people you work with - leaning into their strengths and giving them the right tasks to help them and the business excel. 

Sofia is living proof that there 'ain't no mountain high enough' and also that there 'ain't no frozen lake cold enough' for some wild swimming.

Trust - it's the foundation of every great workplace. Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, knows this better than anyone. As the leader of the organisation behind the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Michael has spent years studying what makes organisations truly exceptional.

Join us for an illuminating conversation as we deep-dive into the foundations of building exceptional workplace cultures. Michael reveals how trust serves as the true barometer of organisational health, explaining that without it, there can be no genuine engagement or job satisfaction.

As the leader of the world's most trusted authority on workplace culture, Michael shares profound insights on how fairness emerges as the key lever in building trust. We'll explore the transformative power of authentic listening, transparent communication, and the importance of creating an environment where employees feel genuinely cared for and valued. Learn why being a great leader isn't about having all the answers – it's about asking the right questions.

2025 is almost in the rearview mirror—so let’s make this holiday season count! It’s not about perfect gifts or Pinterest-worthy decor; it’s about connection, quirky traditions, and memories that make you laugh (or cringe).

Want to spread some holiday magic? Tune in to the latest episode of Small Things Make a Big Difference: Making the Holidays Meaningful: Small Traditions, Big Impact.

Welcome to this week's episode of "Small Things Make a Big Difference," where we dive into the enchanting world of Merlin Entertainments with this exclusive conversation with Cassie Fairclough, the General Manager of Merlin's Phoenix attractions, and Alec Posta from the LEGO Master Model Builder workshop.

Cassie shares her management journey – the transition from peer to manager and embracing an "all for one", collaborative mentality within her team.

Alec gives us a peek behind the curtain of the LEGO Master Model Builder workshop. He highlights the significance of keeping the end goal in mind – creating joy, excitement, and enthusiasm for visitors.

They both talk about how using mistakes as learning opportunities has been crucial in their personal growth and leadership style and how maintaining a focus on guest experience shapes their decision-making and drives innovation in their respective roles. 

You can also watch along with this episode, and I urge you to marvel in Alec's creations.

https://vimeo.com/1029675269/3edf625d8e?share=copy

Follow Alec here

https://www.tiktok.com/@masterbuilder_alec?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/@masterbuilderalec

And don't forget to like and subscribe!!

In this episode I chat to a true star in the Merlin Entertainments firmament - leadership and business management apprentice, Vineeta Sandhu, who talks about life working at an actual castle (Merlin’s Warwick Castle), the true essence of leadership, the power of networking and the bravery to be open to opportunities. We also discuss maintaining a positive mindset, and just how much hot chocolate is too much hot chocolate…

I refer to Vineeta as wise beyond her years, but I think you’ll agree - Vineeta is just wise.

Visit Warwick Castle this Christmas

#Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Networking #WarwickCastle #Coldplay 

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Welcome to a brand-new season of Small Things Make A Big Difference. We have some great conversations coming up over the next few months. To kick off, I sat down with Caroline Casey, the founder of The Valuable 500, an amazing initiative aimed at putting disability on the business leadership agenda.

After Caroline recovers from the shock of riding Thorpe Park’s new Hyperia ride we delve into actionable strategies that organisations can implement to create more inclusive workplaces, enhancing both employee satisfaction and guest experiences.

Caroline’s personal story highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.

It’s truly inspiring.

Learn about the work of The Valuable 500 here

Come and ride Hyperia

 #Leadership #MemoriesMatter #Smallthingsmakeabigdifference #TheValuable500

Discover three powerful leadership lessons drawn from the nail-biting final match of my sons volleyball tournament.

It is a short but powerful episode that is designed to help you reflect on your own experiences of adversity and growth.