The Human Factor Podcast by SAP

In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re diving into one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: how to lead continuous, disruptive, deeply human change in 2025.

We’re joined by Dan Rickards for an honest and insightful conversation about what effective change leadership really looks like now: not top-down communication, not rigid plans, but trust, transparency, and two-way dialogue. Because people don’t resist change – they resist being changed without a voice.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re exploring a topic that’s reshaping how we think about talent, inclusion, and innovation: Neurodiversity at Work.

We’re joined by Dr. Nancy Doyle for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about what true inclusion looks like — and how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining hiring, culture, and leadership to embrace neurodiverse talent. Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply passionate about equity and inclusion, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re breaking the silence on an issue that affects millions but is still too often ignored in the workplace: menopause.

We’re joined by Deborah Garlick, founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, for an honest and empowering conversation about why it’s time to move from awkwardness and avoidance to empathy, education, and real action.

Whether you’re a leader, manager, colleague, or someone going through menopause yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in as we explore how understanding and collaboration can make workplaces better for everyone.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a practice that has shaped countless careers and lives: mentoring.

We’re joined by Ryan Preece from The King’s Trust for an open conversation about the role mentoring plays in supporting young people to build the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn. What does it really mean to be a mentor—and how can the wisdom of experience help someone navigate the often bumpy road of personal and professional development?

In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a part of work that touches every single one of us—yet is rarely talked about: payroll. It’s a function that has quietly remained the same for decades, despite the dramatic pace of change around us.

We’re joined by the brilliant Anita Lettink, a global thought leader challenging the way we think about paying people. While technology has made payroll more efficient through automation, reporting, and self-service tools, the fundamental process hasn’t really changed. But what if it could?

In this episode of The Human Factor, we dive into one of the most misunderstood traits in human behaviour: confidence. Is it something we are born with—or can it be built, strengthened and used as a force for good?

We’re joined by a truly inspiring Emily Jaenson whose journey proves that confidence isn’t just a trait—it’s a practice. Once too shy to order a pizza, she went on to become one of the few female General Managers in Minor League Baseball, delivered one of the most-watched TEDx talks of 2022, and is now a leading global speaker and coach on confidence. Together, we explore how self-belief can either free you or hold you back, how it impacts not just our careers but our relationships, and how we can cultivate confidence in ourselves and others in a way that lifts everyone around us. If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence is a gift or a skill—or how to harness it without tipping into ego—this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a critical question for any organisation: In a world of endless choice and fierce competition, how do you truly stand out—and deliver lasting value to your customers?

We’re joined by Donna Whittaker for a behind-the-scenes look at EG On the Move, where human capability isn’t just a concept—it’s a strategic driver. Together, we unpack what it takes to support and empower front-line teams, and why the employee proposition behind them is more important than ever.

If you’re thinking about how to create standout customer experiences from the inside out, this episode is for you.

Inspired by a simple but powerful question—“What is AI?”—we’re joined by Brenda Bown, SAP CMO- AI, to explore how AI is reshaping life and work, and what it means for every generation.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we step back from the hype and ask a simple but essential question: What is AI, really?

We’re joined by Brenda Bown to unpack the evolving role of AI in our lives—from innovation and transformation to the fear and uncertainty some still feel. What does AI really mean for humans? How can we design a future where we co-exist and thrive together?

In Part 2 of this series with Peak 4, we’re joined by Mike Phelan, drawing on his deep experience at Manchester United to explore how the dynamics of high performance have shifted.

In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re joined by Mike Phelan, who draws on his experience at Manchester United to explore how performance is evolving in today’s world. Building on the excellent discussion with Dave Horrocks in Part 1, we take a broader look at the forces shaping performance—across industries and generations.

A powerful conversation that challenges how we think about high performance—and what it takes to sustain it.

In The Human Factor’s first-ever two-part special, we explore one of the series’ most important themes: performance—what drives it, how we define it, and how it continues to evolve.

In Part 1, we’re joined by Dave Horrocks from Peak 4, who shares his extensive experience from the world of elite sport. Together, we unpack the intangible nature of performance and how it’s influenced by everything from mindset and culture to technology, data, and generational change.