Podcast
The Human-Savvy Podcast
Hosted by Liv Oginska & Emma McConnell · EN
In this podcast, leaders worldwide can learn how to develop their emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and... "speak Human".
In each episode, Dr Liv Oginska - an international speaker, psychologist, veterinary surgeon and emotional intelligence expert - meets Dr Emma McConnell - a specialist in Equine Medicine, university lecturer, and entrepreneur - and they answer questions about the people-related leadership challenges that were sent to Human-Savvy from leaders around the globe.
Dr Liv shares practical advice on managing challenging team dynamics and showing up as charismatic, highly emotionally skilled leaders and managers. Dr Emma brings in the leader's perspective, asks deepening questions, and shares her experience of being a manager in both a large organisation and a start-up.
Listeners will learn how to bolster team performance and create trust, create sustainable careers, navigate conflicts between coworkers, manage incivility and so much more.
Tune in to get the support that you deserve and take your leadership skills to the next level!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Season 3, Episode 9: Special Guest - Nina Bosco
Dec 1900:41:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the most powerful thing a leader can say is “I don’t have it all figured out”? In this episode, Dr Liv Oginska sits down with an extraordinary leader, Nina Bosco. They unpack how vulnerability, clear rituals, and a progress-over-perfection mindset fuel real results across a diverse team. Nina leads veterinarians and corporate affairs professionals in a fast, high-stakes environment, yet her playbook is disarmingly human: distraction-free 1:1s, monthly growth rituals that celebrate “oh no” moments, and storytelling that turns failure into shared learning.Click here to find a plethora of leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Nina shares candid stories about failure, growth, and setting boundaries while leading a diverse, high-impact team.• thriving versus surviving as a senior leader• leading cross-cultural corporate affairs across the Asia Pacific region• progress over perfection as a core value• rituals for 1:1s, stakeholder learnings, and “oh no” moments• storytelling to build trust and capability• transparency about time, energy, and availability• mentorship and coaching for leaders• empathy with boundaries to prevent burnout• tough people decisions and feedback in the moment• aligning values when prioritising time with peopleSubscribe for more candid, actionable conversations on humane leadership. If this resonated, share it with a manager who needs it and leave a quick review—what ritual will you try first?Do YOU have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 8: CULTURE RED FLAGS - How to Spot Behaviours That Undermine Psychological Safety
Dec 1000:33:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this Episode, Dr Liv and Dr Emma unpack five behavioural red flags that chip away at psychological safety and share practical ways leaders can spot patterns early, respond with compassion, and protect a culture of curiosity and learning. The clearest warning sign emerges: when leaders do nothing, culture decides for them.If you can see that something like that is happening in your team and you're thinking, "oh, I really don't know how to navigate it," please feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to chat. If you're joining the upcoming event >>>>> Human-Savvy Leadership Symposium <<<<< or any Human-Savvy training (click), you will discover all the ways in which leaders can protect their teams from the negative impact of the behavioural red flags. Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 7: EXTRA - "Building a Healthy Workplace Culture - Where to Start?" webinar
Nov 2700:49:53Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this special episode, you can listen to the audio from the newest leadership webinar published by Human-Savvy.“Building a Healthy Workplace Culture - Where to Start?” is the webinar where Dr Liv Oginska shares a practical roadmap for building a healthy, psychologically safe culture in teams using a simple five-part Culture Map. We cover red flags to watch for, the exact questions to ask your team, and how to turn answers into a focused plan you co-create.Find the webinar video here >>> https://human-savvy.kit.com/4662b8db54To download a graphic summary of this webinar, click here >>> https://human-savvy.kit.com/d2bc524f44If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 6: "They really annoy me!" - handle your emotional reactivity and give feedback appropriately
Nov 2000:53:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA listener writes in with a relatable issue: a colleague who double-checks everything, asks constant questions, and turns high-stakes work into a crawl. In this episode, Dr Liv and Dr Emma dig into the tension between psychological safety and performance.They also discuss how to give kind, clear feedback without harming psychological safety. Our hosts explore triggers, values, and practical scripts to turn frustration into better teamwork.• mapping when and why over-questioning happens• reading psychological safety versus uncertainty• turning feedback into a two-way dialogue• asking for advice, not just feedback• separating reactions from chosen behaviour• spotting values behind triggers and stories• fast regulation tools and longer-term mindset shifts• practical steps: prep, meet, co-create solutions, review(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Liv Oginska >>> )(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Emma McConnell >>> If this conversation helps, share it with a leader who needs a boost, subscribe for more human-savvy strategies, and leave a quick review to tell us what tactic you’ll try first.Click here to find more leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do YOU have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 5: Special Guest - Eve Hanks & Claudia Cavalluzzo from MI:RNA Diagnostics
Nov 1300:28:06Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWant to see how a fast-moving company keeps its soul intact? We sit down with Eve, founder and CEO of MI:RNA Diagnostics, and Claudia, former COO and now advisor, for a candid tour of human leadership: how culture is built on daily choices, why conflict can be healthy, and what values look like when they’re more than wall art. From the first question, they make one principle clear—leaders set the example in every hallway chat, Slack thread, and roadmap decision.We dig into the realities of global, remote teams and why the trade-offs are worth it. Eve loves the reach and focus remote work brings; Claudia balances it with intentional connection—meaningful check-ins, offsites, and community beyond the company to keep energy high. Cultural differences become assets: directness for speed, nuance for relationship-building, and curiosity as the bridge. The result is a distributed team that collaborates deeply without losing momentum.Eve and Claudia also unpack “low-grade, constant conflict” as a feature, not a bug. Disagreements over priorities sharpen thinking when everyone orients to the mission and brings emotional maturity to the table. We talk about choosing complementary co-founders, building an “orbit” of values-aligned talent before roles exist, and making quick, informed hires without five rounds of theater. And yes—mistakes happen weekly. They laugh, learn, and move, replacing blame with accountability and better data. If you care about psychological safety, values-based hiring, and leading with both heart and standards, you’ll leave with practical ways to raise the bar without raising fear.If this conversation helps you rethink leadership and culture, follow the show, share it with a friend who leads a team, and leave a quick review to tell us what landed most.We’d love to hear your thoughts after tuning in!Click here to find a plethora of leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do you have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 4: Managing High Employee Turnover - “How to take care of the rest of the team when others leave?”
Oct 2600:34:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA letter from a head nurse in a rural hospital lands on the Human-Savvy Team's desk: the team has weathered a wave of departures, new hires are on the way, and major scheduling changes loom. Rather than offering platitudes, Dr Liv and Dr Emma roll up their sleeves and map a path from grief and rumour to clarity and momentum, focusing on psychological safety, structured debriefs, and practical onboarding that protects patient care and team morale.(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Liv Oginska >>> )(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Emma McConnell >>> If this conversation helps, share it with a leader who needs a boost, subscribe for more human-savvy strategies, and leave a quick review to tell us what tactic you’ll try first.Click here to find more leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do YOU have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 3: Special Guest - Dr Guy Sandelowsky
Oct 1300:48:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail🎙️ New Episode of the Human-Savvy Podcast is here! This time, I had the honour and joy of interviewing an old friend and a real Dragon Slayer 🐉(Honestly, I’m BUZZING) Dr. Guy Sandelowsky MBA is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Omni Pet | B Corp™. He is one of the most authentic people that I have ever met. Despite facing a plethora of challenges on his trail-blazing professional journey, Guy has always remained unapologetically himself. In this conversation, Guy shares with us the #lessons learnt on his leadership journey, as well as his #emotionaltriggers and attitude towards #criticism. He also reveals a shocking #truth about the homophobic "glass ceilings" that he encountered as an entrepreneur. What is more, Guy and I did a deep dive into our professional journeys, and we discovered multiple things in common…🐉 the need for #autonomy and creativity so strong that it drives a person towards seemingly bizarre or unreachable goals🐉the appreciation for the power of #community🐉the love for living life fully and authenticallyEven though neither of us spends much time cutting bones anymore 🪚 , it turns out that slaying Dragons (as cool & powerful ones as 🐲 Steven Bartlett and 🐲 Deborah Meaden) and dissecting leaders’ #emotionalintelligence have become our separate, new ways of finding fulfilment. Each of us spent the last 5-7 years intentionally building the lives that we truly wanted to live.Was it easy? Nope.Was it worth it? Hell yes.If you are a deeply purpose-driven person who makes courageous decisions, opens themselves to feedback and takes care of your tribe… everything is possibleWe’d love to hear your thoughts after tuning in!Click here to find a plethora of leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do you have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 2: “I’m sick of falling behind!” — the Art of Delegating
Aug 2600:57:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail"There aren't enough hours in the day" takes on new meaning when you're expected to fulfill multiple full-time roles simultaneously. This episode unpacks a letter from a veterinary nurse who's also managing an entire practice while covering nursing shortages—a situation leaving her perpetually behind and completely overwhelmed.Our deep dive reveals a common workplace crisis occurring across healthcare and beyond: talented professionals drowning under impossible workloads without adequate support or training. We examine how organizations sometimes neglect the sustainability of their workforce while pursuing other goals, creating hidden costs far greater than proper staffing would require.Whether you're the one struggling with too many responsibilities or leading a team that might be silently suffering, this conversation offers practical strategies for reclaiming control. We explore time and energy audits, effective prioritization techniques, and the surprisingly nuanced art of delegation. Learn how to determine what genuinely deserves your attention and what can be delayed, shared, or sometimes even eliminated entirely.Beyond tactical approaches, we address the mindset barriers that keep many high-achievers trapped in cycles of overwhelm—perfectionism, approval-seeking, and unrealistic self-expectations. Discover how these patterns develop and why external support from mentors, coaches or therapists can be transformative when internal pressure becomes unsustainable.This episode isn't just about surviving impossible workloads—it's about creating environments where talented professionals can thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing. Whether you're looking to set better boundaries, delegate more effectively, or create more sustainable workflows for your team, you'll find actionable insights to implement immediately. Listen now to transform your relationship with work demands and rediscover what's actually possible within human limitations.If you've experienced a situation like this, please let us know how you handled it. We'd love to hear your story!Click here to find more leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do YOU have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 3, Episode 1: Navigating a Communication Barrier with Your Boss
Aug 1800:19:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe dive into a fascinating workplace dilemma from a professional struggling to connect with her email-only manager who avoids all face-to-face interaction. The disconnect creates uncertainty and confusion about their working relationship.In this episode, Dr Liv and Dr Emma discuss:• Different perspectives on why the manager might behave this way• How to approach difficult conversations from a place of curiosity• Navigating workplace gossip and complaining about managers• Different communication styles and work preferences• Strategies for establishing clear expectations around communication• Ways to build professional relationships when natural connection is missing(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Liv Oginska >>> )(click here to contact / learn more about Dr Emma McConnell >>> If you've experienced a situation like this, please let us know how you handled it. We'd love to hear your story!Click here to find more leadership resources connected to the Human-Savvy Podcast Episodes >>>> Do YOU have any questions for Human-Savvy? Are you a leader or professional in need of advice on interpersonal dynamics, team leadership, or other related areas? We are here to help you! Please send your letter to info@behumansavvy.com with the title "Dear Human-Savvy..." and we promise to fully anonymise it and record an episode entirely devoted to tackling your challenge!Also, we deeply value your feedback. Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to info@behumansavvy.com or follow and message Dr Liv on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-liv-oginska-53b345200Find your FREE RESOURCES here >>> (click)
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Season 2, Episode 10: Busting Myths - Compassion vs. Empathy
Aug 1200:13:46Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailBONUS EPISODE - Module 5, Lesson 1 from the Human-Savvy Medicine Course (HSMC) >>> (click here to access the full course)IMPORTANT! This episode is accompanied by the visual materials that will help you enjoy 100% of the HSMC experience. Click here to access them >>> "Module 5 - Visual Materials"Feeling drained from caring too much? The problem might not be what you think. In this special bonus episode, we share a powerful excerpt from our Human-Savvy Medicine Course that challenges everything you thought you knew about empathy and compassion, especially the term "compassion fatigue".Whether you're a medical professional or simply someone who cares deeply about others, this episode provides valuable tools for sustainable compassion. You'll learn how to support others effectively without sacrificing your own wellbeing—a crucial skill in both professional and personal relationships. If this resonates with you, consider exploring the complete Human-Savvy Medicine Course, designed to help anyone who works with people become more confident, self-aware, and effective in building robust relationships.What could you accomplish if caring for others actually energised rather than drained you? Listen now to transform your approach to human connection.
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