In this episode of Leadership and Culture First, host Dr Sharon Black is joined by Michelle Knight, executive coach, inclusive leadership expert and founder of Transforming Her Work.

Michelle shares her journey from a 20 year career in international law to becoming a leadership coach focused on helping organisations build inclusive, high performing cultures. As a former law firm director and EDI board member, she brings firsthand experience of navigating senior leadership in environments where inclusion is not always guaranteed.

The conversation explores the realities behind leadership progression and organisational culture. Michelle explains how many of the systems that shape career advancement are often invisible, yet highly influential. She discusses why performance alone is rarely enough to progress, and how understanding the underlying dynamics of an organisation can unlock opportunities for growth.

A key theme throughout the episode is the shift away from traditional, tick box approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. Michelle shares why meaningful cultural change requires behavioural change from leaders, and how inclusive leadership can become a measurable driver of performance, retention and organisational success.

Dr Sharon Black and Michelle also discuss the challenges many senior leaders face when navigating conversations around inclusion. From fear of saying the wrong thing to managing complex team dynamics, the discussion highlights the importance of curiosity, humility and emotional intelligence in leadership.

The episode also touches on the changing nature of workplace culture following the pandemic. Michelle reflects on the realities of remote and hybrid working, explaining why leaders must rethink how culture is created and sustained when teams are no longer physically together.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into leadership influence, organisational systems and the role leaders play in shaping cultures where people can thrive.

In this episode, they explore:

• The hidden systems that influence leadership progression
• Moving beyond tick box EDI towards meaningful cultural change
• Why behavioural change is central to inclusive leadership
• The link between culture, retention and organisational performance
• Leading effectively in hybrid and remote working environments
• How emotional intelligence shapes leadership and culture

Michelle also leaves listeners with a powerful reflection on leadership and influence. True leadership is not only about rising yourself, but about using your position to create opportunities for others and helping the next generation of leaders move forward.