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Welcome to the podcast formerly known as Authenticity, Transforming Workplace Culture.

We decided we need a freshen up and let's face it. The old name was a bit stiff and starchy. So we looked for something fun, something that described the pod, and something suitable for the hosts.

We totally nerd out on leadership and culture - which is why we are good at them. And Simon is obviously a nerd. Kirralea, less so at least according to her.

You'll still get the same mix of strategies, tips, tools and anecdotes, all based on the lived executive experience and lessons learned from working with thousands of clients around the globe. And, we'll have some fun while we do it.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

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Workplace culture is how your people feel on Sunday evening about going to work on Monday morning.

That's not a 100% accurate description of culture - but let's not let being pedantic get in the way of a critical message for leaders. The reality is that most people want to do contribute and something meaningful with their lives. The second reality is that some workplaces give them that opportunity, while others kill the buzz!

How your people feel on Sunday evening is an excellent measure of the impact your workplace culture and your leadership has on morale and engagement - which flows through to results and productivity.

In this episode we unpack the key drivers that determine how you and your team arrive at work after a weekend or a holiday. Do you drag in miserable at the reality of another week of grind, just hoping to endure for another pay period? Or do you bounce in excited at the prospect of working with a team that energises and achieving something meaningful?

Whether it is the way you feel about returning to work, or the way the team you lead feels, there are four things to address:
1. Whether the work is still meaningful - has it become stale or stopped being a challenge?
2. Gratitude - have you, or your team, stopped appreciating the opportunities? Have you started taking them for granted? 
3. The leadership style that you - or your team - are exposed to
4. The team dynamics that you and your teamwork amongst

In the pod, we look at practical actions you can take for each of these factors.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

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What if the path to a more inclusive, diverse, and fulfilling workplace culture was just a conversation away?

Archie Beetle (they/them) is the Founder and Director at Queer Town (IG: @queertown.workshops), a queer-led business delivering educational workshops and training in workplaces and schools across Australia, with a focus on LGBTIQA+ inclusion and allyship. 

We talk to Archie about how leaders can approach a topic that many of them have no lived experience of, that they are confused by, and that often makes them outright nervous about getting it wrong.

Some of Queer Town’s clients include: The Australian Ballet, Cotton On Group, Federation Square and GMHBA.  

During their career, Archie has led the establishment of LGBTIQA+ advisory boards and working groups at a number of Victorian institutions, including: Melbourne Museum, The Immigration Museum and Scienceworks, and has served as a board member at Proud2Play, a not-for-profit increasing LGBTIQA+ engagement in sport and exercise.  

Archie's mission is to ensure all workplaces and schools in Australia provide safe environments for LGBTIQA+ people to live and work authentically.

If you would like to connect with Archie: 

Website: Queer Town | LGBTIQA+ Allyship Training and Educational Workshops

Instagram: @queertown.workshops

Linked In here

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

Text us your thoughts or questions

Sarah Horton, a senior leader at Mars, is an inspiring leader, a culture shaper, and a natural story teller. Her leadership journey has spanned continents, cultures, and challenges. Sarah shares insightful leadership lessons and her reflections on the dynamics of workplace culture in a riveting conversation that fosters learning and sparks self-reflection. 

Sarah's enchanting experiences from training in Switzerland to leading a team in Korea, and her current role at Mars, all contribute to the rich tapestry of her leadership journey. Her story underscores the value of investing in training, embracing the challenges of leadership, and the critical role of adaptability in varying cultural environments. We discuss the importance of including quiet voices in decision-making, creating a psychologically safe environment, and the family-like culture within Mars Petcare. 

We also highlight how understanding the intricate data behind an organisation's culture can paint a comprehensive picture of the work environment. And for those eager to further hone their leadership skills, we chat about Real Learning's smorgasbord of events and programs that promise intellectual stimulation and growth. Join us in this enriching journey that explores leadership, workplace culture, and so much more!

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

Text us your thoughts or questions

Most leaders want to create a workplace where each individual feels empowered to take on more responsibility, challenge themselves, and step into leadership roles. In our latest episode of Authenticity, Transforming Workplace Culture, we look at the potential barriers that hinder team members from stepping up and discuss strategies to overcome these hurdles. We discuss insights from a recent leadership development program, and consider how fostering a supportive environment and creating safe spaces can accelerate an individual's growth and align the workplace culture effectively with the team's goals.

Our conversation further evolves as we examine the significance of providing opportunities for practicing leadership skills and shaping a feedback-oriented atmosphere. We give you an inside look into the dynamics of leadership development, the essence of creating opportunities, and the impact it has on team members and workplace culture. What stands out is our emphasis on the need for leaders to step back, to create a vacuum that drives team members to step up and fill. The episode is a genuine conversation that challenges the conventional norms of leadership and work culture, and encourages leaders to create opportunities, foster growth, and prepare their team for future leadership roles. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone invested in creating a healthy, growth-oriented work culture.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

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Is it possible to lead with vulnerability and authenticity while maintaining a strong, commercial approach? Our guest, Alison Geale, CEO of Bravehearts, says "Yes." Transitioning from the media sector to a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and treating child sexual abuse, Alison takes us through her remarkable journey. From discussing her initial caution approaching such a sensitive subject to how the words of her daughter sparked her determination, Alison's story is as inspiring as it is insightful.

Navigating the for-purpose space entails a different energy and dynamic compared to the corporate world. Alison opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of working in this sector. She sheds light on the implementation of KPIs and scorecards to evaluate performance based on skill rather than just devotion. 

Leadership, at its core, is about collaboration and authenticity. There's no room for silos when your mission is to make a difference. We discuss the importance of active listening, managing a remote workforce, and the art of balancing a commercial head with a people heart. Alison’s experiences and insights remind us that it’s not just about being acknowledged for our work, but recognizing that when we partner with others, we can achieve more. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable leadership lessons, and discover how vulnerability and authenticity can transform the way we lead.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

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In this episode we chat to Miguel Diaz, CEO of Parkinsons Australia.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a thriving workplace culture in the age of remote work, and unlock the potential of purpose-driven organisations. Our insightful discussion will leave you with valuable insights on how to balance financial sustainability with mission-driven success, and how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with working for a greater cause.

Change is inevitable, and it's never been more important to master the art of change management. Miguel shares his experiences on how to bring people on board with new initiatives, create buy-in, and leverage purpose-driven motivations to power your team through uncertain times. Discover the resilience he gained from the pandemic and how striving for positive change can make a lasting impact.

Miguel talks us through how we  shift, rather than pivot. He talks us through the  power of planting your foot and changing direction without losing sight of your goals.

We are so grateful for Miguel's time, and listeners can connect with him on Linked In here

For more resources, check out our website, and find inspiration to fuel your journey towards a high performing culture of Authenticity.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

Text us your thoughts or questions

Are you ready to revolutionize your work-life balance? Discover how Bunnings' landmark agreement to trial a four-day work week is shaking up the corporate world and potentially benefiting employees and employers alike. We dive into the research behind this agreement and explore the myriad of advantages it brings, such as reduced absenteeism, improved work-life balance, and enhanced overall well-being.

But what about striking the perfect balance in our daily lives? Join us as we tackle the concept of life balance and how it differs from work-life balance, along with discussing the importance of trust and faith in the workplace. We also highlight a fascinating study conducted by the University of Reading, revealing a 71% productivity boost after reducing meetings by 40% - and how this small change can have significant impacts on employee stress levels and overall happiness.

Finally, we take a deep look into the implications of inflexible workplace structures and how challenging traditional norms can lead to a more inclusive and authentic environment. Offering a variety of working styles not only benefits employees, but also ensures organizations don't miss out on the very best talent. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation as we explore the future of work and the incredible potential of flexibility in the workplace.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

Text us your thoughts or questions

How do you navigate difficult conversations as a leader while maintaining your integrity and character? This episode of Front Page Leadership shines a light on the personal toll leadership can take, as we discuss the recent resignation of Hawthorn Football Club CEO Justin Reeves and the challenges leaders face when making tough decisions. We emphasise the importance of being a leader with integrity, good intentions, strong values, and a focus on caring for people, all while understanding that not everyone will agree with your decisions.

Through personal anecdotes and stories, we explore the necessity of having a respectful relationship between managers and team members, and how crucial it is to separate the decision from the character of the leader who made it. We share strategies and skills needed to make difficult decisions and take a stand without feeling the need to please everyone. Join us for this insightful conversation about the challenges leaders face and how to navigate them with courage and integrity, and learn how to communicate your decisions in a way you can be proud of.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org

Text us your thoughts or questions

The first of our Authentic Conversations podcast episodes - this format is a shortened version of our normal episodes where we discuss leadership topics that have arisen be that in conversations with clients or in our general lives.

The "fishing in a shallow pond" problem refers to the challenge organisations face in attracting and keeping top talent because of a limited pool of qualified candidates. This problem is exacerbated by accepting poor performance and neglecting employee development.

Polluting the pond
Many organisations fear losing employees, leading them to tolerate under-performance. This acceptance creates a toxic work environment, dampening motivation and preventing top talent from joining. When poor performance is accepted, there is no motivation for improvement, and it becomes the norm.
The lack of investment in employee development limits the potential of the workforce and makes it difficult to attract new talent.

Attracting the big fish
Top candidates look for organisations that invest in their staff, offer growth prospects, and cultivate a culture of growth. Invest in employee development, create a positive work environment, and hold employees accountable to address the shallow pond problem.. Tough decisions may be necessary to maintain a high-performing workforce.

Consequences
Consequences can be a powerful motivator. Holding employees accountable encourages them to take ownership of their actions.. The goal is to manage employees up, making them better through honesty and integrity.
Organisations should not fear accountability but embrace it. Establishing a high-performance culture requires clear expectations and support for employees to improve. Establish clear expectations and support employees to improve or replace them with the best to build a deep and diverse talent pool.. Offering attractive incentives and benefits helps attract the top performers.

Thriving in a shallow pond
By taking these actions, organisations can thrive in the competitive business landscape. Embracing accountability, investing in employee development, and creating a high-performance culture will enable them to overcome the shallow pond problem and attract and keep top talent. 

You can read an expanded blog on the topic here  Fishing in a Shallow Pond.

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Visit our website The Real Learning Experience

Thanks to our producer, Josh at JCALdigital.org