Podcast
Building Better Cultures
Hosted by Inspiring Change · EN
Hosted by Scott McInnes, founder of Inspiring Change, we talk to guests about how really good internal comms, engagement and leadership all contribute to 'Building Better Cultures'. We tend to shy away from theory and focus more on really practical advice, great stories and best-practice.
About Inspiring Change
At Inspiring Change we help our clients to connect their people to their strategies, their change programmes, their purposes and to each other. We do that by focusing on strategic internal communications, employee engagement and leadership.
For more, see www.inspiringchange.ie
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12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
152 | Embracing AI with Humanity | Scott McInnes & Wema Hoover
2w ago00:36:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Scott McInnes welcomes Wema Hoover, founder of Be Limitless Consulting, to explore the impact of AI on leadership, culture, and work. They discuss how organisations can leverage AI while maintaining a human-centered approach, fostering innovation, and managing change across generations. In this episode, you'll discover: The rapid evolution of AI and its influence on the workplace over the past 15 months Strategies for integrating AI responsibly through clear guardrails and purpose-driven behaviours The importance of human-centered engagement and curiosity in AI adoption Cross-generational collaboration and overcoming resistance to change Practical steps for building resilient, high-performing teams amid technological shifts The future of human-AI hybrid workforces and maintaining organizational culture Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The rapid pace of AI change and its impact on organisations 02:16 - The hype versus the reality of AI applications in the workplace 03:50 - Building guardrails and foundational policies for responsible AI use 05:27 - Learning from healthcare: AI enhancing human connection 06:34 - The importance of human-centered behaviors in AI integration 08:14 - How to align AI initiatives with purpose and culture 09:19 - Addressing fears of job displacement and focusing on human skills 10:34 - Managing resistance and promoting organisational change for AI adoption 12:17 - Creating cross-generational AI experimentation platforms Resources: Leading with Heart in an AI-Driven World Unlocking The Collective Genius Across Generations By Integrating the 6th Generation, AI Human-Centered AI in Healthcare Interview with Alex Voskanian Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Wema Hoover: LinkedIn | Website
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151 | Building Employee Loyalty That Lasts | Scott McInnes & Stephen Baer
3w ago00:36:48Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, host Scott McInnes has an insightful conversation with Stephen Baer, founder of Engagency, as they explore the core principles behind building resilient organisational cultures that thrive on trust, purpose, and people-centered leadership. In this episode, you'll learn: The true drivers of employee engagement and retention The role of middle management in fostering a culture of trust Strategies to communicate purpose and strategy effectively Leadership behaviours that inspire and empower teams The impact of organisational culture on financial performance Practical tips for small organisations to deepen connection Key Takeaways: Why the "Velcro vs. glue" analogy is essential for understanding employee retention Insights into why 79% of employees are disengaged and how to change that The importance of investing in middle management training and emotional intelligence How trust and vulnerability in leadership can transform company culture Real-world examples from Microsoft and Home Depot illustrating leadership's impact on performance Practical steps for leaders to connect with even the most privacy-focused employees The secret to storytelling and recognition that boosts engagement internally Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 01:23 - Why do people stay or leave organisations? The trillion-dollar engagement question 02:41 - Building organisational loyalty with glue vs. Velcro analogy 03:56 - Why engagement metrics haven't improved over years 04:26 - The three critical components of business success: purpose, strategy, people 05:57 - The importance of investing in middle management and leadership training 06:46 - Cultivating a feedback-rich environment for younger generations 08:43 - How leadership tone from the top influences culture 09:36 - Examples of leadership transformation at Microsoft and Home Depot 11:46 - The power of trust: From conflict to high performance 13:17 - The role of failure as a learning tool in companies like WD-40 14:43 - Leadership styles and cultural impact: Nadella vs. Balmer, Blake vs. Nardelli 16:59 - The importance of authentic leadership and empowering employees 18:08 - Creating psychological safety and facilitating open conversations 21:17 - The role of purpose in engaging both employees and customers 22:19 - How purpose and values cycle through the organization to drive loyalty 24:42 - How organisations can craft authentic purpose 26:27 - Connection versus engagement: which drives better loyalty? 27:36 - The three pillars of emotional engagement: greeting, knowing, growing <p class="...
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150 | Mastering the Readiness Gap | Scott McInnes, Sadhbh O'Flaherty & Maddison Grigsby
Apr 2900:55:04Tap to summarizeIn this special bonus episode, Scott McInnes and his colleague Sadhbh O'Flaherty are joined by Communications Consultant at Gallagher, Maddison Grigsby, to explore the latest insights from the 'State of the Sector' report on internal communications, focusing on the readiness gap, strategic alignment, and human-centric communication. Maddison shares expert advice on improving manager effectiveness, change management, and leveraging AI for better engagement. Key Takeaways: The evolution of internal communication practices and the importance of continuous improvement. The "Readiness Gap": understanding the misalignment between technological potential, leadership expectations, and employee experiences. Six key risks impacting organisational readiness: audience burnout, budget constraints, line manager effectiveness, information overload, lack of inclusion of communicators in decision-making, and lack of clear direction. The significance of strategy clarity, shared understanding, and alignment in achieving organizational goals. The critical role of managers in communication effectiveness and how to empower them with practical tools and frameworks. Importance of change management versus change communication, and how emotional responses influence organisational change success. The impact of human-centric approaches, including tone of voice, narrative, and bite-sized content adapted for attention spans. The persistent neglect of management communication tools and the opportunity for AI to streamline messaging, measurement, and feedback. The cultural shift needed to support managers and improve communication effectiveness across organisations. Chapters: 00:00 Celebrating 150 Episodes and Reflecting on Growth 01:23 Introduction to the State of the Sector Report and Key Stats 02:25 Focus on the Readiness Gap in Organizations 05:44 Understanding the Six Key Risks Contributing to the Readiness Gap 10:07 The Power of Strategy and Shared Understanding 11:00 Leadership's Role in Clarifying Vision and Strategy 12:29 The Importance of Repetition and Clarity in Communication 12:57 Addressing Change and Emotional Responses in the Workplace 15:01 The Significance of Empathy and Human Emotion in Change Management 15:56 Embracing Continuous Change as the New Norm 17:04 The Skill Set of Change Communications and Internal Comms 18:52 Psychology and Employee Resilience in a Volatile Environment 22:56 The Role of Tone of Voice and Storytelling in Engagement 36:26 The Impact of Human-Centric Communication and Simplicity 42:22 The Power of Storytelling and Narrative in Internal Comms 44:39 The Shift Toward Authentic and Human Tone of Voice 48:57 Leveraging AI for Simplified and Impactful Communication 49:17 Practical Tips for High-Performing Teams and Manager Effectiveness 50:41 The Importance of Listening and Feedback Loops 51:56 Closing Remarks and Resources for Better Internal Communication Keywords: internal communication, change management, employee engagement, leadership, AI in HR, communication strategy, organisational change, employee trust, storytelling, human-centric communication Resources: State of the Sector Report - https://ajg.com/employeeexperience/state-of-the-sector Website link with more Information: inspiringchange.ie/stateofthesector Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Maddison Grigsby: LinkedIn | <a class="Hy...
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149 | Leading Teams in the Age of Constant Change | Scott McInnes & Glenda Kirby
Mar 2600:37:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Building Better Cultures Podcast, host Scott McInnes speaks with Glenda Kirby, Chief Customer Officer at Poppulo, about the evolving role of leadership communication in a fast-changing workplace. They explore how trust, transparency, and empathy form the foundation of strong organizational cultures, particularly in a world shaped by hybrid work, constant change, and emerging technologies like AI. Glenda shares practical insights from her experience helping global organizations communicate with millions of employees, as well as lessons from her leadership roles at LinkedIn and Indeed. You will walk away with actionable ideas on communicating through change, building trust within teams, and developing leadership skills such as clarity under pressure, empathy, and authenticity. Keywords: Leadership communication, internal communications, organisational culture, trust in leadership, empathy in leadership, clarity under pressure, employee engagement, hybrid work, change management, communication strategy, workplace culture, leadership development, Poppulo, employee experience. Key Takeaways: Trust is built through consistent and transparent communication. Communication is no longer occasional - it's continuous. Middle managers are a critical communication channel. Clarity matters more than ever. Empathy is a leadership skill that must be developed. Act on feedback. Timing and accuracy are essential during change. Authenticity strengthens culture. Belonging is becoming increasingly important. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest 01:00 – Glenda Kirby's background and Poppulo's global reach 03:00 – Why trust is central to strong workplace cultures 05:20 – Communication overload and cutting through the noise 08:50 – The growing complexity of leadership roles 12:20 – Why organizations still underinvest in communication skills 15:00 – Simple communication techniques leaders can use immediately 18:50 – The importance of empathy and authenticity in leadership 21:00 – Acting on employee feedback and building trust 24:40 – Understanding how different people receive communication 29:00 – Leading teams through constant organizational change 33:00 – The risk of over-communication during uncertain times 35:40 – Final reflections and leadership quick-fire questions 37:30 – The leadership skills that matter most today Connect with us: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Connect with Glenda Kirby: LinkedIn
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148 | Harnessing Organisational Success Through People | Scott McInnes & Iain Kirkwood
Mar 1900:34:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, host Scott McInnes is joined by Iain Kirkwood, Chief HRO of EX3, to explore the critical role of people in organisational success. They discuss the importance of clarity in purpose, the necessity of difficult conversations in performance management, and the empowerment of people leaders. The conversation delves into the significance of continuous feedback, the measurement of organisational culture, and the connection between culture and business performance. They also touch on the role of values and behaviors in shaping culture and the importance of a dynamic Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Keywords: Organisational culture, employee engagement, leadership, performance management, HR transformation, continuous feedback, employee value proposition, purpose-driven organizations, difficult conversations, accountability Key Takeaways: Clarity around company goals is essential for success. Hiring for attitude is more important than hiring for skills. Strong leadership is key to aligning people with company objectives. Difficult conversations are necessary for managing performance. Empowering people leaders is crucial for organisational success. Continuous feedback helps in course correction throughout the year. Culture can impact business performance significantly. Values should translate into observable behaviors. An effective EVP should resonate with employees' experiences. Regularly revisiting the EVP keeps it relevant and engaging. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast 01:53 Setting Companies Up for Success Through People 05:16 The Importance of Purpose in Organisations 08:10 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Employees 10:56 Empowering People Leaders for Effective Management 14:03 The Shift Towards Continuous Feedback 19:22 Understanding and Valuing Organisational Culture 20:21 Valuing Organisational Culture 22:00 Impact of Culture on Performance 23:45 Performance Management and Accountability 26:03 The Role of Values in Culture 30:01 Employee Value Proposition (EVP) 34:39 Creating a Positive Work Environment Connect with us: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Connect with Iain Kirkwood: LinkedIn
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147 | Unlocking Purpose in Organisations | Scott McInnes & Professor Peter Hawkins
Mar 1200:38:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes has an insightful conversation with Professor Peter Hawkins, a leading authority in systemic coaching and leadership development. They explore the essential elements organisations need to thrive in the 21st century, emphasising the importance of being purpose-led, stakeholder-centric, and fostering collective leadership. Hawkins discusses the critical role of organisational culture and learning, the dynamics of trust within teams, and the concept of WeQ—collaborative intelligence. The conversation also delves into the nature of connection in leadership and the need for organisations to discover their purpose rather than merely creating it. Hawkins shares practical examples and insights on how organisations can align their efforts to meet the needs of the future, ultimately highlighting the unique contributions that teams can make to drive meaningful change. Takeaways: Organisations must be purpose-led, not profit-led. Stakeholder-centricity is crucial for modern organisations. Partnership with stakeholders enhances organizational effectiveness. Teams should be more than the sum of their parts. Organisational learning must outpace external changes. Trust is essential, but addressing mistrust is equally important. WeQ, or collaborative intelligence, is vital for leadership. Connection in leadership should focus on shared purpose. Purpose should be discovered, not created. Organisational culture is shaped by collective patterns. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:13 Essential Elements for Organisations in the 21st Century 05:42 The Importance of Purpose in Organisations 08:25 The Role of Organisational Culture and Learning 12:54 Collective Leadership and Team Dynamics 17:16 Trust and Mistrust in Teams 18:42 The Nature of Team Relationships 22:10 The Concept of WeQ and Collaborative Intelligence 23:13 Connection in the Age of Technology 27:40 Understanding and Defining Purpose 31:30 Leading Towards an Evolving Purpose 37:12 The Unique Contribution of Teams and Organisations 39:47 Organisational Culture and Its Habituated Patterns 41:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Prof. Peter Hawkins: LinkedIn | Website - Personal | Website - Company Keywords: leadership, organisational culture, purpose, collaboration, team dynamics, coaching, stakeholder engagement, collective intelligence, trust, systemic coaching
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146 | The Power of Curiosity at Work | Scott McInnes & Joe Lalley
Mar 500:32:08Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode of the Building Better Cultures Podcast, host Scott McInnes sits down with Joe Lalley, author of 'How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Your Team, and Your Organisation.' Together, they explore the power of curiosity in transforming careers, teams, and organisations. Tune in to discover practical insights on fostering curiosity, psychological safety, and innovative cultures. Keywords: Curiosity, innovation, psychological safety, organizational culture, design thinking, leadership, experimentation, learning from failure, AI, creative thinking Key Topics: The definition of curiosity as the desire to go from not knowing to knowing The role of psychological safety in encouraging curiosity Patterns of questions that drive innovation and learning The importance of being close to customers for effective curiosity The impact of organisational culture on curiosity and experimentation The risks and rewards of curiosity in the workplace Practical strategies for leaders to foster curiosity The influence of childhood and education on curiosity development The relationship between curiosity and AI in learning and work How to balance curiosity with decision-making and focus Takeaways Curiosity is simply the act of wanting to go from not knowing to knowing. Psychological safety is essential for fostering curiosity in teams. Ask open-ended questions that challenge assumptions and explore possibilities. Being close to the customer enhances the effectiveness of curiosity. Organisational culture should be built around experimentat...
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145 | Building Trust in Turbulent Times | Scott McInnes & Kim Bohr
Feb 2600:34:05Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Kim Bohr, President and COO of Spark Effect, about the critical role of trust in organisations. They discuss the findings from the report 'Trust in Turbulence' which breaks down trust into measurable domains and emphasises its importance as a competitive advantage. The conversation explores how disruptions, such as the return to office policies, impact trust, and how organizations can build and rebuild trust through effective communication and leadership practices. Takeaways: Trust is a measurable and critical component of organisational success. Disruptions can erode trust in everyday interactions. Return to office policies must be communicated effectively to maintain trust. High trust organizations see better performance and retention rates. Low trust environments lead to increased turnover and disengagement. Younger generations prioritize alignment of values with their employers. Technology rollouts can significantly impact trust dynamics. Managers play a crucial role in translating corporate messages to their teams. Celebrating achievements fosters a culture of trust and connection. Rebuilding trust requires transparency and accountability from leadership. Keywords: Organisational trust, trust in leadership, building better cultures, trust metrics, employee engagement, return to office, trust and performance, psychological safety, technology and trust, trust rebuilding strategies Chapters 00:00Introduction to Trust in Organizations 02:04Understanding Trust as a Competitive Advantage 04:24The Impact of Disruption on Trust 08:25Return to Office: Trust and Communication 11:51Linking Trust to Organizational Performance 13:57Low Trust and Its Effects on Culture 16:15Attracting Talent in a Low Trust Environment 18:11Technology's Role in Trust Dynamics 20:50Practical Steps to Build Trust 25:56Celebrating Achievements and Building Connections 29:57Rebuilding Trust After a Breach Link to the report mentioned in the episode: Report Connect with us: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
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144 | Leading Culture in a Hybrid World | Scott McInnes & Phil Codd
Feb 1900:33:04Tap to summarizeWelcome back to a brand-new series of the Building Better Cultures Podcast! In the first episode of the season, host Scott McInnes is joined by Phil Codd, Managing Director of Expleo in Ireland. They discuss the multifaceted nature of organisational culture, emphasising the importance of aligning leadership and employee cultures. Phil shares insights on employee happiness, effective communication, and the significance of feedback loops in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of hybrid work, the future of organisational culture, and the need for organisations to adapt to a more flexible and inclusive work environments. Here are some of the key insights from the episode: · Culture isn't just one thing; organisations have multiple cultures. · Happy employees lead to happy customers and growth. · Effective communication is a critical leadership skill. · Feedback loops are essential for employee engagement. · Celebrating employee longevity can enhance morale. · Technology can facilitate continuous feedback in organisations. · Hybrid work requires new ways of connecting teams. · Organisational culture is not confined to physical spaces. · Aligning leadership culture with employee culture is vital. · Policies should focus on the human aspects of work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast 03:12 Understanding Organisational Culture 09:54 The Importance of Communication in Culture 12:30 Feedback Loops and Employee Engagement 17:29 Flexibility and Hybrid Working Models 23:51 Challenges of Geographic and Hybrid Work 28:58 Future of Work and Cultural Alignment Keywords: Organisational culture, leadership, employee engagement, communication, feedback loops, hybrid work, employee happiness, culture alignment, workplace dynamics, future of work Link to the Irish Times article referenced in the podcast Connect with us: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
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143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy
Nov 1300:44:28Tap to summarizeSummary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that connection is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees, and that fostering a culture of connection is essential for organizational success. Takeaways Disconnection is a significant challenge in modern workplaces. Connection is essential for productivity and resilience. Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering connection. Organizations must adapt to maintain engagement in remote work settings. Intentional strategies are needed to create opportunities for connection. The multi-generational workforce presents unique challenges and opportunities. Onboarding processes should focus on building community and connection. Employees have a role in co-creating workplace culture. Flexibility in work arrangements comes with shared responsibility. Connection should be prioritized over merely addressing disconnection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Disconnection in the Workplace 04:47 Understanding the Challenge of Disconnection 09:01 The Importance of Connection in Modern Work 12:03 Bridging the Gap: Building Cohesion and Engagement 16:15 Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce 21:55 Intergenerational Connections in Care Settings <li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW163601148 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props= "{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"lef...
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