Confidence vs. Competence

In the latest episode of Workforce, Dr. Grace Lordan takes us on an intriguing journey through the behavioural science of workplace success. The conversation opens with a bold statement: confidence often carries more weight than competence when it comes to career advancement, but is this fair? And more importantly, is it beneficial for individuals and organisations in the long run? Grace and her expert guests delve into the historical context of confidence as a signal for competence, discussing its evolutionary roots and its shaky relevance in today's complex professional landscape. They also shine a light on the power of rivalry as a motivator and how technology can help identify true competence, leveling the playing field for all job seekers.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

 Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

 Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Jonah Oliver

Jonah is one of the World’s leading performance psychologists having worked with some of the World's most elite athletes and executive leaders. With expertise in sports psychology and neuroscience, he offers a unique, effective approach to optimising performance. Over two decades, he's assisted PGA Major winners, Olympic gold medalists, executives, and surgeons, fostering success on grand stages. Trusted by multinational corporations, he currently aids global companies to facilitate peak performance in the finance, construction, and technology startups sectors. Known for simplifying complex theories, Jonah delivers engaging presentations and continues to publish and speak internationally.

For more information about Jonah’s work head to https://www.northframework.com/

Frida Polli

Frida Polli, PhD, MBA, is a Harvard and MIT-trained neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She's the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a talent-matching platform using behavioural science and AI to improve workforce decisions. Pymetrics has global clients like BCG, Kraft Heinz, and McDonald’s, matching hundreds of thousands to ideal jobs while reducing bias. Frida is a leading voice on ethical AI and HR tech, featured on CNN, BBC, CNBC, and more. She speaks at events like WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos and has been published in scientific journals and popular press including HBR and FastCompany. Recognized in lists like Inc's Female Founders 100, Entrepreneur's 100 Powerful Women, and Fortune's Most Powerful Women NextGen, she's also won awards like the MIT 100K Entrepreneurship Competition and Harvard Business School Life Science Award.

Find out more about Pymetrics at https://www.pymetrics.ai/

Gavin Kilduff 

Dr. Gavin Kilduff, a Management professor at NYU Stern School of Business, earned his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Specialising in group dynamics, competition, status, and negotiations, he extensively publishes on these topics in Management, Organizational Behaviour, and Social Psychology. His research explores the effects of competition and rivalry on motivation, performance, decision-making, and ethics. Dr. Kilduff also investigates status dynamics in teams to enhance teamwork and individual performance, and advocates for the benefits of play in relationship-building, bias reduction, team cohesion, and burnout prevention.

Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-kilduff-9b0b3926/

For additional bonus content visit the WorkFORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

WorkFORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Dive into the world of workplace dynamics with Dr. Grace Lordan in this eye-opening episode of Work FORCE. Grace and her guests dissect the subtle yet pervasive culture of mediocrity and conformity in the corporate landscape. With insights from behavioural scientist Teresa Almeida and distinguished guests Dr. Margaret Heffernan, Manfred Kets de Vries and Petra Velzeboer, we unravel the psychological underpinnings that push employees toward average performance and the profound impact this has on innovation and organisational success. Tune in to discover strategies for breaking the mould and fostering a culture of excellence.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Manfred Kets de Vries

Manfred is the co-founder of KDVI. Bringing to bear his knowledge and experience of economics, management, and psychoanalysis, he scrutinises the interface between international management, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and dynamic psychiatry. He is Professor of Leadership Development and Organisational Change at INSEAD and was the Founding Director of INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre. The Financial Times, Le Capital, Wirtschaftswoche, and The Economist have judged Manfred as one of the world’s leading thinkers on leadership. Manfred is a global consultant in executive leadership development to leading US, European, African and Asian companies. As an educator and consultant, he has worked in more than forty countries. Manfred is the author, co-author or editor of more than 50 books and has published over 400 scientific papers. He is a regular writer for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Business Week, The Economist, Financial Times and International Herald Tribune.

For more information head to www.kdvi.com

Dr. Margaret Heffernan

Dr. Margaret Heffernan spent 13 years creating BBC programs before venturing to the US, where she led multimedia endeavours for Intuit, The Learning Company, and Standard&Poors. She held executive roles at InfoMation Corporation, ZineZone Corporation, and iCast Corporation, earning recognition as one of Streaming Media magazine's "Top 25" and The Hollywood Reporter's "Top 100 Media Executives." With six authored books, her work, including "Willful Blindness," hailed by the Financial Times as a pivotal business text, has garnered acclaim. Her TED talks, reaching over fifteen million viewers, and publications like "Uncharted: Hope to Navigate The Future" have solidified her as a thought leader. Margaret serves as a Professor of Practice at the University of Bath, guiding the Forward Institute's Responsible Leadership Programme and mentoring CEOs worldwide. Notable for her contributions, she chairs DACS and has advised influential inquiries. In 2023, Margaret was honoured in the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame for her impactful ideas and prolific broadcasting on BBC Radio 4.

For more information head to: https://www.mheffernan.com/index.php

Petra Velzeboer

Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker, author, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL. Her passion for creating psychologically safe spaces can be traced back to her unique background, having been raised in a notorious cult and struggling to find her place in the world. A series of life-altering events led her to pursue a career as a psychotherapist so that she could help others. After working in various companies with toxic work environments, she has made it her life’s mission to reinvent the world of work and completely shift the current system, ushering in the future of work.

For more information head to: https://www.petravelzeboer.com/

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

In this episode of Work FORCE, host Dr. Grace Lordan explores the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment. With a diverse panel of experts, Dr. Lordan delves into the complexities of AI integration and its implications for the future of work. Grace navigates the complex intersection of technology and creativity, shedding light on the transformative potential and ethical considerations of AI adoption.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Caitlin Bentley 

Caitlin Bentley is a Lecturer in AI Education, actively shaping the future of responsible AI through education. She is a member of the Delivery Team on the UKRI Responsible Artificial Intelligence UK (RAI UK) programme and co-director of the UKRI Safe and Trusted AI Centre for Doctoral Training. Previously, she served on the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Hub Skills Committee, Syllabus Lab, and EDI working group. Caitlin’s multi-disciplinary academic background includes includes a PhD in Human Geography, ICT4D, from Royal Holloway, University of London, a Masters in Educational Technology from Concordia University, and a BA in Computer Science from McGill University. Caitlin has been researching how professionals across various sectors will need a variety of technical, professional and strategic skills to be effective.

Find out more about Caitlin Bentley's work at King's College: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/caitlin-bentley

Chris Pissarides

Sir Christopher Pissarides is the Regius Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, and co-chairs the Institute for the Future of Work. He specialises in the economics of labour markets, economic growth and structural change, especially as they relate to market imperfections, where his work has been especially influential.  He has recently worked extensively on the employment implications of automation and artificial intelligence and on the implications of covid-19 for the future of work. In 2010 Sir Christopher was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on the labour market, sharing it with Dale Mortensen of Northwestern University and Peter Diamond of MIT. He has since been honoured with several other awards, Prizes and Society fellowships. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2013. He is a frequent keynote speaker or panellist on the future of work and other issues related to employment, unemployment and structural change. 

Find out more about Chris and his work at 

Piotr Mirowski

Dr. Piotr Mirowski works as a research scientist in machine learning at a leading AI lab and is a visiting researcher at Goldsmiths, University of London. His research on artificial intelligence covers the subjects of reinforcement learning, navigation, weather and climate forecasting, as well as a socio-technical systems approach to human-machine collaboration and to computational creativity.

He is the author of over 75 papers and studied a PhD in computer science in 2011 at New York University, with a thesis supervised by Prof. Yann LeCun (Outstanding Dissertation Award, 2011).

A trained actor, Piotr founded Improbiotics in 2016. An award-winning theatre company, Piotr directs shows where human actors and robots improvise live comedy performances and investigate the use of AI for artistic human and machine-based co-creation.

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Have you ever felt penalised for your success? Dr. Grace Lordan dives into the murky waters of workplace envy and exclusion with her exploration of Tall Poppy Syndrome. Tall Poppy Syndrome, a cultural phenomenon, manifests in various ways, from downplaying achievements to engaging in negative talk. Discover the hidden dynamics that lead to high-achievers being cut down by their peers, and learn from international experts how this phenomenon affects productivity, innovation, and personal well-being. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to navigate the complexities of success and the backlash it can bring.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Mathew Marques

Dr Marques received his PhD in Social Psychology from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, investigating the role of anti-intellectualism and the tall poppy syndrome in attitudes towards high achievers. Mathew uses social psychology to understand the role of psychological mechanisms (e.g., trust, conspiracy theories) in the formation of attitudes towards socially contentious scientific research (e.g., genetically modified foods, and vaccinations). He is also interested in and researches the tall poppy syndrome, examining the effects of differing ideologies, status and factors such as deservingness on attitudes towards tall poppies and underdogs. 

Find out more about Dr. Marques and his work on his website here: https://www.mdmarques.com

Rumeet Bilan

Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognised entrepreneur, learning architect, and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training, and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging, and build resilience. Dr. Billan is the CEO and Owner of Women of Influence and President and CEO of Viewpoint Leadership. She completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses, and training sessions across industries and sectors. She led the groundbreaking research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace and co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Dr. Billan was named a Top 10 Power Women in 2020 and has been twice named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. 

Learn more at www.rumeet.com

Kay Xander Mellish

Kay is a writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker who grew up in the USA and has lived in Denmark for more than 10 years. She has been on staff at large Danish companies including Danske Bank and Carlsberg and now runs KXMGroup, a thought leader on Danish working culture and the internationalisation of the Danish workplace, and How to Live in Denmark, which helps newcomers understand Danish culture.

A native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Kay attended New York University in Manhattan, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in journalism and art history. She worked as a journalist in Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong before returning to Manhattan and working in the media industry at Dow Jones/the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and ABCnews.com before moving to Denmark.

Find our more about Kay and her work at https://www.kxmgroup.dk/

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

The pervasive phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome takes centre stage in our latest Work FORCE episode. Offering expert insights and lessons from personal experiences, the discussion delves into triggers like perfectionism and workplace dynamics. Strategies for managers, such as fostering trust and promoting psychological safety, are discussed, alongside the need for organisational changes. From advocating for cultural shifts in leadership to utilising action-oriented mantras, the conversation underscores the importance of addressing Imposter Syndrome for overall workplace well-being.

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favourite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Ivan Joseph

Dr. Ivan Joseph is an award-winning performance coach, leadership expert and internationally renowned speaker. His TEDx talk, “The Skill of Self-Confidence,” has over 28 million views and was named by Forbes as one of the 10 Best TED Talks on the Meaning of Life. Ivan currently serves as the Vice President of Students at Wilfrid Laurier University with 25 years of experience in higher education. He holds a PhD in Psychology and has successfully applied research and theory to leading cultural transformation and creating cohesive teams. At Graceland University, Ivan coached the men’s and women’s soccer teams to #1 national rankings winning a national championship. Later as the Director of Athletics at Toronto Metropolitan University, Ivan spearheaded the landmark $100M renovation of the historic Maple Leaf Gardens and led TMU’s teams to win the first provincial and national championships in the university’s history. Most recently he led Guyana’s Women’s National Team to be undefeated in the 2021 Concacaf World-Cup Qualifiers. 

Find out more about Dr. Ivan Joseph on his website: www.drivanjoseph.com

Lisa Orbé-Austin

Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin is a licensed psychologist and executive coach. She earned her doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Columbia University. Her expertise on imposter syndrome is regularly sought by the media and she has appeared in outlets such as The Financial Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Refinery29. She has also been honoured twice as a Top Voice on LinkedIn in the areas of Job Search and Careers and Mental Health. Dr. Orbé-Austin has been an invited speaker at various national conferences. She recently gave a TEDx talk entitled "The Impostor Syndrome Paradox: Unleashing the Power of You." 

She was trained as a clinician and researcher and her work is focused on providing practical, achievable results through research-backed science. She is a contributor to The American Psychological Association’s volume on Imposter Phenomenon entitled The Impostor Phenomenon: Psychological Research, Theory, and Interventions (APA Press, 2024).

Follow Lisa and her work on Instagram and Threads @drorbeaustin

Andy Molinsky

Andy Molinsky is a Professor at Brandeis University’s International Business School, with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychology.  Andy received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and M.A. in Psychology from Harvard University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a B.A. in International Affairs from Brown University.  Andy’s work helps people develop the insights and courage necessary to act outside their personal and cultural comfort zones when doing important, but challenging, tasks in work and life. His research and writing has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, Psychology Today, the Financial Times, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, NPR and Voice of America. His first book, Global Dexterity (Harvard Business Review Press, 2013), received the Axiom Award (Silver Medal) for Best Business Book in International Business & Globalization and has been used widely in organizations around the world. His second book Reach was published with Penguin Random House in January 2017, and his newest book Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce with McGraw Hill comes out in February 2024. He teaches, consults, and lectures widely to university and corporate audiences.

Find out more about Andy’s work on his website at www.andymolinsky.com

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

We delve into the complex world of unwritten rules and how they shape, and sometimes distort, our workplace dynamics. Dr. Grace Lordan is joined by a panel of experts who unpack the invisible codes of conduct that everyone seems to know, except when you're the new kid on the block. From the subtle cues about lunchtime etiquette to the silent expectations of communication, these unspoken norms can be a minefield for the uninitiated, and even more so for neurodivergent individuals. We explore the tangible steps organisations can take to create a more transparent, communicative, and inclusive culture. 

Listen, learn, and let's transform the workplace together. Subscribe, rate, and review Work FORCE on your favorite podcast platform and join Dr. Grace Lordan in dismantling the "bullstuff" that holds us back. Visit www.gracelordan.com for more insights and to share your thoughts on future topics. Produced by Decimal Creatives, this is Work FORCE – where we work smarter, not harder, for a workplace that works for all.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dan Haris

Dan Harris is the founder and CEO of the Neurodiversity in Business charity. NIB has been set up to transform the employment prospects of the 15 to 20% of the population who are neurodivergent. As a neurodivergent leader and advocate, Dan is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in their careers. Founded in 2022, over 600 global corporate members and community partners have joined NiB’s mission in the past 18 months. The charity remains powered by a team of 100 volunteers committed to raising awareness across multiple sectors, industries and countries. The time for #neuroinclusion is now.

Find out more at: https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org

Lyric Rivera

Lyric Rivera, founder of NeuroDivergent Consulting and author of the best-selling business ethics book Workplace Neurodiversity Rising, named “Trend for 2023” and praised in Forbes as “an excellent ‘how to manual’ based on lived experience and professional competence.” 

Lyric runs the blog NeuroDivergent Rebel and is known as the pioneer of the #AskingAutistics hashtag, where simple questions prompt open-ended responses that Autistic people can quickly chime in with and invites participants to engage each other in conversations related to the topic. This hashtag connects people who would not otherwise have a reason to engage with each other and fosters a collective understanding of the Autistic Experience.

For more information check out www.NeuroDivergentRebel.com  and www.NeuroDivergentConsulting.org 

Giles Turnbull

Giles helps organisations communicate more like humans do:  clearly, briefly, creatively. He works with leaders, teams and individuals to plan better ways of communicating about work in progress. Giles is the author of "The agile comms handbook".

Find out more about Giles’ work at https://usethehumanvoice.com

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

What does resilience truly mean? Why is it crucial, and how can you improve it? Dive into its multifaceted nature as we investigate the research on genetic and environmental factors that actively shape an individual's sensitivity to both positive and negative outcomes. Uncover the impact of childhood experiences on our ability to confront setbacks. In addition to delving into the science, we'll also spotlight practical strategies, empowering you to skilfully navigate life's challenges. Join us on a dynamic journey through the intricacies of the human spirit, enhancing your understanding of what is means to be resilient in today's world.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Michael Pluess

Michael Pluess, PhD, is a Professor in Developmental Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Surrey. His research focuses on three areas: 1) individual differences in Environmental Sensitivity, the notion that some people are more affected by the same experience than others due to being more sensitive to environmental influences, 2) Positive Development, such as the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at promoting the development of psychological well-being in children and adults, and 3) Mental Health and Resilience in Humanitarian Crises, including longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials on mental health interventions in humanitarian settings. His research has been published in the leading journals of the field.

To find out more about Michael’s work head to https://sensitivityresearch.com/

Erika Brodnock MBE

Erika Brodnock is a PhD candidate and Research Officer at LSE TII, and Co-Founder at Extend Ventures where she is leading research that aims to understand and diversify access to venture capital and innovation finance for ethnically diverse entrepreneurs. Erika is also an MBA and multi-award-winning entrepreneur with a track record in creating and in building products and services that disrupt and spearhead a path out of outdated systems. She is the founder of software companies Kinhub (formerly Kami) and Karisma Kidz. Erika also serves on the advisory board for the APPG for Entrepreneurship and the Good Play Guide.

Find out more about Kinhub here: https://www.kinhub.com/

Read Erika’s research on Diversity Beyond Gender here: https://www.extend.vc/diversity-beyond-gender-single

Josh Connolly

As one of the UK’s most influential mental health advocates,  Josh regularly speaks on BBC, ITV & Channel 5 news. He has also spoken in the House of Commons, contributed to mental health policy and even advised the scriptwriting team on Hollyoaks. Josh runs resilience workshops for village schools and global brands alike. Additionally, he is an ambassador for Nacoa – a national charity supporting people affected by a parent’s drinking.

To find out more about Josh’s work head to www.joshconnolly.co.uk Or follow him on social @josh_ffw  

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the WorkFORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

WorkFORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Is perfectionism a positive trait or is it detrimental to productivity and well-being? We aim to shed light on the often-overlooked downsides of perfectionism. We'll discuss the impact of perfectionism on individuals, and its role in different professions. Our guests provide practical tips and tools for managing and mitigating its effects to navigate it in your personal and professional life.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Dr. Thomas Curran, Professor, Psychology

Dr Thomas Curran is the world's leading expert on perfectionism, author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap, and acclaimed associate professor of psychology at the London School of Economics. His TED Talk on perfectionism received over three million views, he has written for major international publications such as TIME magazine and the Harvard Business Review, and his work has been featured in the BBC, New Scientist, New York Times, CNN, and Wall Street Journal.

Buy Thomas’ book The Perfection Trap: The Power of Good Enough in a World That Always Wants More here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfection-Trap-Power-Enough-Always/dp/B0BFFZ5N3J/

Find out more about Thomas and his work on his website: www.thomcurran.com

Pandora Paloma, Visibility & Business Mastery Coach

Pandora is a Visibility and Business Mastery Coach, bringing 20+ years in Communications and a unique fusion of Strategy meets Spirituality to female entrepreneurs ready to scale to their next level. She does this through her three masterminds for every stage of business.

Find out more about Pandora’s coaching methods at www.pandorapaloma.com

Or follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/pandorapaloma_/

Charly Haversat, Program & Strategy Consultant

Working across a myriad of industries, from working in finance to her background as a pro athlete turned yoga instructor, and even running for public office. Charly's career has focused on providing people-centric strategic consulting that focuses on sustainable solutions. 

Follow Charly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charly-haversat-ms-2bbb0511/

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com

WorkFORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

From stolen lunches to passive-aggressive notes, can the office fridge be a microcosm of a company's culture? This episode takes you on a journey through the enigmatic realm of the office fridge, a seemingly mundane part of office life that can hide deep insights into workplace culture and human behaviour. Our experts share their thoughts on how this seemingly trivial subject can reveal profound truths about the dynamics in the workplace. Join us as we explore what a healthy workplace culture looks like, how to identify signs of toxicity and how to shape a positive office culture in the age of remote and hybrid workspaces. 

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the Work FORCE discussion are:

Zak Toscani, Comedian

Zak Toscani is a stand-up comedian and writer living in Los Angeles, CA. With a focus on originality and vulnerability, Zak’s comedy has been highlighted by Splitsider, Paste, and The Portland Mercury. He is also the most reoccurring guest on the hit comedy podcast All Fantasy Everything. Zak’s work has been featured by the Washington Post, BBC, Newsweek, Buzzfeed, and Vice.

Follow Zak’s witty Tweets (including the famous stolen shrimp thread!) at https://twitter.com/zak_toscani you can also find out more about Zak on his website https://www.zaktoscani.com/

Thom Dennis, CEO, facilitator, speaker, consultant, change agent and educator.

Thom Dennis is the CEO of Serenity in Leadership. With an MSc in Change Agent Skills & Strategies, skills as an NLP Master Practitioner, 17 years’ experience as an officer in the Royal Marines and having extensively travelled around the world, Thom brings all his experience together as a facilitator, speaker, consultant, educator and change agent. For the last 29 years, Thom’s career has been dedicated to facilitating change through organisational change. He is passionate about resolving the breadth of issues around inclusion and strives to make changes against oppression in and out of the workplace. 

Find out more about Serenity in Leadership on their website: 

https://www.serenityinleadership.com/  or follow Thom on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomdennis/

Christina Clark, Work culture consultant and leadership coach

Christina is an EMCC accredited psychosynthesis leadership coach, LSM certified mediator and accredited Psychological Safety practitioner. After nearly 15 years working in communications with a range of FTSE 100s, IBEX 35s, governments and agencies, Christina has cultivated an ecosystem of humans to support leaders and organisations. Together we develop inclusion-led work environments rooted in innovation, sustainability, and positive change. Christina’s vision is to foster clear communication between the SLTs, HRs and employees through psychological safety, mediation and leadership coaching techniques. She believes that a happy employee is the biggest ambassador for any organisation. Work culture matters. 

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the Work FORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

Work FORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a job you don't want but feel compelled to stay? You may have been a sufferer of Corporate Stockholm Syndrome. This episode discusses this phenomenon with various experts delving into why people stay in such situations, how to recognise if you are experiencing Corporate Stockholm Syndrome, and ways to take control of your career. Our guests offer insights and advice on navigating toxic workplace cultures and making decisions that align with your values and wellbeing.

Work FORCE is a podcast hosted by Dr Grace Lordan (www.gracelordan.com), author of Think Big, Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want and professor at the London School of Economics. You can buy Think Big Here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Big-Small-Steps-Future/dp/0241420164/kacey123-21

Work FORCE unravels the behavioural science behind things that happen in the workplace that impact your success and wellbeing, blending academic evidence with real life experiences.  

Follow Grace on X or Instagram @profgracelordan; on LinkedIn drgracelordan 

Joining the WorkFORCE discussion are:

Jess Audsley, CEO & Digital Strategist 

Jess is a seasoned digital marketing expert with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing, PR and communications. As a strong advocate for female-led businesses, Jess founded We Have Agency with a vision to empower female founders, CEO and brands reach their ideal audience online and thrive in the digital realm. As a digital strategist and CEO, Jess is committed to providing her clients with the highest level of service and support. She's also a respected speaker and moderator, sharing her insights and expertise at industry events and conferences. Jess's passion for digital marketing has led her to teach at prestigious institutions like Google, Hyper Island and General Assembly among others. Jess is one of Digital Women’s Women to Watch in 2023 and nominated as Digital Woman of the Year 2023.

Find out more about We Have Agency on their website https://wehave.agency/ Or follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we.have.agency/

Christian Hunt

Christian is the founder of Human Risk, a Behavioural Science-led Consulting and Training Firm specialising in Ethics & Compliance and the author of a book, ‘Humanizing Rules’. He was formerly Managing Director, Head of Behavioural Science at UBS. Christian joined the Firm in Compliance & Operational Risk Control, leading the function globally for UBS Asset Management. Before joining UBS, he was COO of the UK Prudential Regulation Authority, a subsidiary of the Bank of England responsible for regulating financial services.

Find out more about Human Risk on their website at: www.human-risk.com and check out their podcast www.humanriskpodcast.com

Dr. Heidi Wechtler

Heidi Wechtler (PhD) works as a Senior Lecturer in Management and Deputy Head of School Research Training at the Newcastle Business School (Australia). Her research interests focus on a variety of human resources topics, including: hiring, employee turnover, career management, expatriation, team, and diversity management. Her research has appeared in such outlets as Journal of Applied Psychology, Leadership Quarterly, Journal of World Business, Journal of Business Research, International Business Review, International Journal of Human Resource Management, Management International Review, and Management and Organization Review. She is also part of the collaborative effort behind the Australian Workplace Index, which is a benchmarking project that delivers executives future-focused business insights and intelligence in the areas of leadership, wellbeing, and productivity, investigating the impact of job demands and job resources on staff burnout and stress amongst Australian employees.

Find out more about Heidi at: https://heidiw21.wixsite.com/heidiwechtler

 Read Heidi’s research at https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YHuXYDoAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Kelly Swingler

Kelly Swingler is the Anti-Burnout Coach for overwhelmed, stressed, and burned-out leaders who are ready for change. Clients hire her to help them regain control of their busy lives and create the time, space, and energy for the things that matter so that they can live their best life Beyond Burnout Kelly works with C-Suite HR and People Leaders, who all want an incredible life beyond Burnout. As a lifelong high-achieving, overperforming, recovering perfectionist who thrives under pressure, she knows a thing or two about stress and jeopardising your wellbeing. She reached Burnout twice. And she's spent the last 9 years creating strategies and techniques to stop her, and my clients from burning out again.

Find out more about Kelly’s work on her website https://www.kellyswingler.com/ or check out her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Z6iJPB4gYz1MZoUPOgdlQ

For additional bonus content from all of this episode’s guest conversations visit the WorkFORCE YouTube channel: @ProfGraceLordan

Dr Grace Lordan is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative. Find out more about The Inclusion Initiative on X @LSE_TII or visit https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii

Dr Grace Lordan is leader of www.diversirtyandproductivity.com 

WorkFORCE is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com