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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16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
156 | Inside Disconnection at Work: Bridging the Connection Gap Report | Scott McInnes & Sadhbh O'Flaherty
4d ago00:46:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Scott McInnes is joined once again by Inspiring Change's Sadhbh O'Flaherty to dig into their latest research, Bridging the Connection Gap. Building on last year's Mind the Gap study, where CPOs and CEOs identified disconnection as one of the top barriers to a strong, aligned culture, Scott and Sadhbh went deeper, speaking one-on-one with senior leaders to understand what's really getting in the way of human connection at work today. Six clear themes emerged from those conversations: busyness, hybrid working, silos, leadership influence, digital overload, and generational differences. Throughout the episode, Scott and Sadhbh unpack each theme with real examples, personal experience, and practical suggestions for how organisations, leaders, and individuals can respond. The common thread running through it all? Intentionality. Connection at work doesn't happen by accident, it has to be actively and deliberately built. Key Takeaways Culture is infrastructure, not decoration. Connection underpins trust, performance, wellbeing, innovation, and resilience, and its absence is felt even if it can't always be measured. Busyness has become a badge of honour. Many people feel they need to appear constantly busy to seem productive, which squeezes out time for genuine connection. Hybrid isn't broken, it's just not intentional. The real issue isn't where people work, but whether teams are deliberate about how, when, and why they connect. Team commitments matter more than blanket policies. A one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid rarely works; teams need the flexibility to define what connection looks like for them. Silos aren't inherently bad, deep expertise is valuable, but they need active bridges (empathy, communication, shared touchpoints) to avoid isolation and misalignment. Leaders have an outsized influence on connection. Connection across a team or organisation is often only as strong as its leadership, but leaders also need empathy, support, and realistic expectations, since they're stretched thin too. Digital tools haven't delivered better connection, just more channels. Increased digital connectivity often comes at the cost of the human cues (tone, body language, energy) that build real understanding between people. Generational differences mean different connection needs. With up to five generations now in the workplace, a single approach to connection won't resonate with everyone, open conversations about what people actually want are essential. Small, consistent steps beat big overnight change. Building connection back into work doesn't require a complete overhaul, just intentional, incremental shifts in how teams already operate. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview 00:47 – Backstory: the Mind the Gap research and why Inspiring Change revisited disconnection 03:45 – Why culture is "the infrastructure that holds an organization together" 05:17 – How the Bridging the Connection Gap research was conducted and the six themes uncovered 06:41 – Challenge 1: Busyness, the "busy badge of honour" and its impact on connection 12:02 – Challenge 2: Hybrid working, why hybrid isn't the problem, intentionality is 17:43 – The power of team commitments and team-level flexibility 19:20 – Challenge 3: Silos, the value of expertise vs. the need to bridge across teams 24:58 – Challenge 4: Leadership influence, why connection is only as strong as your leaders 28:02 – Clarifying "leaders" as people managers, not just the executive team 31:11 – Challenge 5: Digital, being more "connected" but less genuinely close 37:52 – Challenge 6: Generational differences, five generations, different connection needs 44:11 – Closing thoughts and where to find the full Bridging the Connections Gap report Resources & Links: Bridging the Connections Gap Report Mind the Gap Report Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Scott McInnes: LinkedIn Connect with Sadhbh O'Flaherty: <a class= "Hyperlink SCXW181033594 BCX0" href= "https://www.link...
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155 | The Overlooked Art of Building Connection at Work | Scott McInnes with Christine Armstrong
2w ago00:37:38Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, Scott McInnes sits down with Christine Armstrong, to dive deep into the critical importance of connection in the workplace. Together they explore how workplace trends have eroded relationships and the role of intentionality in creating a thriving organisational culture. Christine offers practical strategies to rebuild trust at work and really nurture those vital human connections. Key Takeaways: Connection is a deliberate act, not a happy accident Hierarchical and operational policies inadvertently undermine trust Connection thrives on small, frequent interactions, not grand initiatives Trust is the foundation for difficult conversations and authentic connection The middle layer of work relationships has been lost to societal and organisational shifts Organisations should design work around human needs, not assumptions of tradition Simple listening and positive reinforcement are the most cost-effective trust builders Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Connection in the Workplace 02:20 The Importance of Connection 05:20 Impact of COVID on Workplace Connections 08:09 Rebuilding Connections: Strategies and Initiatives 11:39 Creating Learning Moments and Engagement 14:12 Responsibility for Connection in the Workplace 19:50 Navigating Difficult Conversations 23:46 Assuming Positive Intent in Communication 27:02 Meeting Diverse Needs in the Workplace 30:40 Consequences of Weak Connections 35:06 The Power of Listening to Rebuild Connections Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Christine: LinkedIn | Website
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154 | Why Leaders Still Struggle to Foster Psychological Safety | Scott McInnes with Minette Norman & Karolin Helbig
3w ago00:41:22Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, Scott is joined by authors Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig as they delve into practical strategies for fostering trust, vulnerability, and inclusion in organisations, and explore the nuances of psychological safety. This episode reveals how small changes can lead to profound shifts in workplace culture. In this episode, you'll discover: · The definition and emotional experience of psychological safety · The importance of vulnerability and courageous communication for leaders · How default behaviours and default settings impact team inclusivity · The role of self-awareness in changing organisational culture · Micro habits and deliberate experimentation to embed safety practices · Managing reactions and emotional responses in high-stakes interactions · The connection between risk-taking, failure, and innovation · Designing inclusive rituals and meetings to foster belonging · Practical tips for leaders to create psychologically safe teams today Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to psychological safety and why it matters 02:26 - Defining psychological safety and its emotional impact 03:01 - The visceral feelings of safety versus threat 10:00 - Turning awareness into default behaviors to reduce exhaustion 13:02 - The role of self-awareness in behavior change 17:15 - The responsibility of senior leaders in setting cultural tone 22:08 - Balancing expertise with vulnerability for authentic leadership 26:36 - Creating space for understanding and curiosity in conversations 32:16 - Embracing risk and failure as catalysts for growth 37:39 - Designing meetings intentionally to foster participation and belonging 40:00 - Closing thoughts and resources Resources & Links: · Psychological Safety Playbook Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Minette & Karolin: Karolin Helbig on LinkedIn | Minette Norman on LinkedIn
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153 | Neurodiversity Recognition at Work | Scott McInnes & Alan Stracey
4w ago00:38:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes talks to Alan Stracey, a certified ADHD Coach and Founder of WhereFocusGoes, to explore the nuanced world of neurodiversity. They discuss how understanding and accommodating neurodivergent conditions can transform workplace culture and unlock individual potential. In this episode, you'll discover: What is neurodiversity and how do neurodiverse conditions manifest? The importance of language and perception around neurodiversity in workplaces Practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse colleagues and leaders The role of coaching, especially ADHD coaching, in empowering high performers Legal protections and Disclosure: When and how to share a diagnosis The Manual of Me: A tool for fostering understanding across teams Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & the importance of audience engagement 02:49 - Alan's background and journey to neurodiversity advocacy 04:14 - Personal impact of ADHD diagnosis and newfound understanding 09:15 - Defining neurodiversity and common conditions 10:40 - Social versus medical models of neurodiversity 11:33 - The situational nature of neurodiverse experiences 14:02 - Language and workplace perceptions around neurodiversity 15:35 - Challenges in disclosure and reducing stigma 16:46 - Legal protections and practical steps for disclosure 18:09 - Supporting neurodiverse colleagues: practical tips 20:37 - The Manual of Me: empowering inclusive teams 21:32 - Common misconceptions about coaching and ADHD coaching approach 28:19 - How coaching helps neurodiverse individuals rediscover their brilliance 35:59 - The power of space and time for reflection in coaching 36:20 - Supporting colleagues with neurodiverse conditions and the importance of understanding Resources: Blog for seeking a diagnosis Blog about reasonable adjustments in the workplace The Manual of Me Connect with us: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram Connect with Alan Stracey: LinkedIn | Website
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152 | Embracing AI with Humanity | Scott McInnes & Wema Hoover
May 2800:36:49Tap 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
May 2100:36:48Tap 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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