In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward engages with Dr. Jeanne Hardacre to explore the complexities of workplace culture, particularly focusing on the concept of the 'culture trap.'

They discuss how well-intentioned individuals can inadvertently contribute to toxic work environments and the emotional dynamics at play. Dr. Hardacre introduces her H-U-M-A-N framework as a practical approach to transforming workplace relationships and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their contributions to workplace dynamics.

Takeaways

• Workplace culture significantly impacts employee well-being and productivity.
• The 'culture trap' refers to conditioned beliefs that hinder collaboration.
• Self-protective behaviours can disrupt team dynamics and trust.
• Honesty at work is essential for developing a positive culture.
• Disrupting the status quo is necessary for meaningful change.
• The H-U-M-A-N framework offers a practical approach to improving workplace culture.
• Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in workplace interactions.
• Leaders must facilitate open conversations to build trust.
• Small changes in behaviour can lead to significant cultural shifts.
• Every individual has the potential to positively influence workplace culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Culture Trap

04:12 Understanding the Culture Trap

12:24 Escaping the Culture Trap

17:29 The H-U-M-A-N Framework

24:32 Real-World Applications and Outcome

Links to explore this topic more:

• Dr Jeanne Hardacre About Us - BeTheCultureChange™
• Be The Culture Change website BeTheCultureChange™

• The Culture Trap Book The Culture Trap: Practical ways to improve your influence, relationships and culture – for leaders and teams: Amazon.co.uk: Hardacre, Dr Jeanne: 9781068572401: Books

AI is no longer sitting on the sidelines of work. It’s becoming part of the team.

In this episode, Lee Ward speaks with Atreya Chaganty, CEO of Quantanite, about how AI is reshaping the workplace and why the real opportunity lies in bringing humans and AI together, not pitting them against each other.

They discuss:

• Why trust in AI (and trust in each other) matters

• What changes when organisations see AI as a collaborator, not just a tool

• How leaders can rethink “efficiency” and start imagining new possibilities

If you’re curious about what it takes to integrate AI into your team and what it means for the human side of work this conversation is for you.

Performance management: two words that often trigger dread.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way?

In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Irial O’Farrell - leadership expert, author, and organisational development consultant - to explore how performance management can evolve into something far more meaningful andmotivating.

Together, they explore:

• Why performance management has such a bad reputation
• The fears managers and employees share (but rarely talkabout)
• How clarity, expectations, and development can shift thenarrative
• Practical ways to make performance conversations more human and helpful

Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone who wants to make work better, this episode offers a fresh, actionable perspective.

Check out Irial’s work:

• Books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Irial-OFarrell/author/B007GX1QIO?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

• Blog - https://irialofarrell.wordpress.com/about/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irialofarrell/?originalSubdomain=ie

In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by David Hodges - also known as The People Geek - to explore a concept that could fundamentally shift how we think about leadership, learning, and behaviour at work: ecological psychology.

David explains why behaviour isn’t just about the person - it’s about the task they’re doing and the environment they’re doing it in.

This perspective offers a powerful new lens for leadership development, team dynamics, and behaviour change.

We discuss:

• Why “all behaviour is someone doing something somewhere”
• How leaders can become more attuned to the environments they shape
• What this means for learning design, coaching, and culture

And there is even a chat about how the films Inside Out and The Terminator both help explain it all!

This episode is thought-provoking, practical, and might justchange the way you lead.

Connect with David:

The People Geek Blog on Substack - https://substack.com/@peoplegeekakadavehodgesDavid Hodges on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hodges-217b8b4/

The Mental Health Conversation Every Workplace Needs

In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by Tom Oxley from Bamboo Mental Health to explore how organisations can better support mental health at work.

Drawing from his own lived experience and years of working with businesses, Tom shares what it really takes to move beyond surface-level support and get to the root of what people need.

Tune in to discover:

• Why mental health support needs to go deeper than policies and perks
• What organisations doing this well have in common
• How leaders can create space for honest conversations
• Why continuing this conversation is more important than ever

Follow and connect with Tom and his work:

Bamboo Health: Bamboo Mental Health | Workplace Mental Health Consultants

LinkedIn Profile: Tom Oxley | LinkedIn

Tom’s Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/G0XUimJbz44?si=nm JO2YG9FrGzrON

In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined by Fraser Duncumb from Wotter - a company on a mission to build a world where everyone loves work.

Together, they explore what employee engagement really means, why it’s critical for organisational success, and how it goes far beyond annual surveys or HR-led initiatives.

Fraser shares insights into Wotter’s bold vision, the power of real-time employee feedback, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel genuinely connected and excited to contribute.

Plus, he delivers a stirring call to action for anyone looking to build a better workplace. 

Whether you’re a leader, a people professional, or just someone who cares about making work better, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to discover:

• Why traditional engagement surveys fall short
• How to treat employees as equals, not data points
• What it really takes to build a culture people love

To connect with Fraser or find out more Wotter and their work:

• Wotter https://wotter.ai/
• Fraser Duncumb https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraserduncumb/

What really defines a workplace culture?

In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Sarah McLellan from Make It Human to explore why culture isn’t about mission statements or team-building days – it’s about the everyday behaviours that shape how people feel and work together.

Together, they explore:

• What workplace culture actually is (and isn’t)
• Why small, consistent actions matter more than big gestures
• How to spot the behaviours that are reinforcing your current culture
• What leaders and teams can do to shift culture in meaningful ways

Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or just curious about how to build a better workplace, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what it really means to "make it human."

Sarah McLellan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmclellan/

Book: Make It Human: A vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Human-happier-healthier-workplaces/dp/1785908758

Make it Human website https://www.make-it-human.com/

Meetings: we’re all in them, but are they really working?

In this episode of Work Reimagined, I’m joined by Dr Carrie Goucher - a systems engineering expert and founder of Fewer, Faster, Bolder. With over 20 years of experience driving culture change at organisations like the NHS, BBC Worldwide, BP, and Pfizer, Carrie is on a mission to reimagine how we meet and collaborate.

We explore why traditional meetings are stuck in the past, why agendas aren’t the silver bullet we’ve been led to believe, and how rethinking meetings could unlock a huge white space for organisational improvement. Carrie shares practical steps for individuals and leaders to make meetings more focused, energising, and impactful.

If your calendar is filled with back-to-back meetings or you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to get any real work done, this episode is for you.

🔗 Explore Carrie’s Work:

• Fewer, Faster, Bolder - FewerFasterBolder meetings
• Friction Free Newsletter - FrictionFree Collaboration - profound concepts, ready-to-go techniques

Listen now to discover how transforming meetings could transform your work.

In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined once again by one of our most popular guests – Joe Gray.

Back by demand and with a brand new book on the way, Joe returns to dive even deeper into one of the most talked-about workplace behaviours: proactivity.

Joe’s new book, Powering Workplace Proactivity, explores how we can move beyond simply expecting people to be more proactive and start creating the conditions that actually make it possible.

We explore why so many approaches to proactivity fall short, how environment shapes behaviour, and what leaders can do to unlock and sustain proactive habits in their teams.

Whether you're leading a team or trying to be more proactive yourself, this conversation is packed with practical insights, fresh thinking, and tools you can put into action.

🛠️ Explore Joe's work:

• Joe’s website: poweringproactivity.com

• Powering Workplace Proactivity (the book): poweringproactivity.com/book

• The Proactivity Pulse tool: poweringproactivity.com/the-proactivity-pulse

In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joinedby Dr Tammy Watchorn, the original Change Ninja.
Tammy shares her unique approach to navigating and leading change, drawing on her extensive experience as an author, educator, coach, and facilitator.

Discover the neuroscience behind why change can be challenging and learn practical strategies to overcome resistance.
Tammy's engaging storytelling and clear, actionable advice will leave you inspired to become a Change Ninja yourself.

Episode Highlights:

• The neuroscience behind change and why we resist it
• Practical tips for individuals to navigate and lead change
• How leaders can support their teams through change

Special Offer: Tammy has generously offered our listeners a 20% discount on her APMG accredited '4 Day Ninja Challenge' course.

To claim your discount, get in touch with Tammy and mention the podcast.

About Dr Tammy Watchorn: Dr Tammy Watchorn is a self-confessed Change Ninja, dedicated to helping individuals and organisations master the art of change. Learn more about Tammy and her work at www.change-ninja.com.

Additional Resources:

• Connect with Tammy: The Change Ninja | Home

• Explore Tammy's books & work: The Change Ninja | Buy Ninja

• Previous episode on Change Management with Mark Green: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-ward3/episodes/Reimagining-Change-Management-with-Mark-Green-e2rpt6b

Tune in to gain valuable insights and become a Change Ninja!