The Communication and Culture Podcast

Episode in French.

In this episode, I talk with Valérie Laffitte, a human development facilitator and pedagogy expert.
We explore company culture as a living organism — something that grows through relationships, reflection, and shared meaning.
Valérie shares how genuine communication and pedagogy can unlock agility, creativity, and purpose inside organizations, especially in an era where AI can execute tasks but not think or feel for us.

Transcript summary below

Nadège:
Why is company culture so important?

Valérie:
Culture expresses who a company is, not just what it does. It’s the living identity of the organization, emerging from relationships between people. Everything the company produces depends on this collective foundation. Yet we rarely talk about it — we focus on tasks, processes, and results, forgetting that meaning and connection are what sustain life inside the system.

Nadège:
Yes — culture is everyone’s business, not only leaders’. You can copy products but never who an organization is. What blocks a strong culture from emerging?

Valérie:
Lack of communication — especially deep communication that questions why we do things, not just how. When people don’t share their purpose, the company runs mechanically. It becomes fragile, unable to adapt when change comes.

Nadège:
So, what helps culture thrive?

Valérie:
Taking a step back. Companies often treat “values” and “vision” like tasks to deliver, but if they’re not lived and shared, they’re empty. We live in an age where AI executes perfectly — humans shouldn’t just execute. We must stay pilots, keep meaning alive, know why we work. AI will never do that for us.

Nadège:
Yes — it’s the quest for meaning.

Valérie:
Exactly. A company is a living organism. People think, adapt, and bring movement. To stay human and agile, we need to nurture that vitality. Pedagogy plays the role of osteopathy in a body — restoring movement where rigidity sets in. That’s how organizations stay alive.

Nadège:
Beautiful. Concretely, how do you bring pedagogy into companies?

Valérie:
I create unexpected connections. Bringing people together who never talk often sparks new awareness and change. Through conversation, they uncover their implicit knowledge — and realize how their work fits into the whole. From there, we design simple, practical actions close to their daily reality: clarifying roles, mapping competencies, rethinking how work flows. It’s small and concrete — but it restores clarity, circulation, and collective power to act.

Nadège:
That’s powerful — similar to connecting stakeholders in projects. When people share perspectives, everything shifts.

Valérie:
Exactly. Like looking at a cylinder: one person sees a circle, another a rectangle. Both are right. By changing perspectives, we finally see the full 3D shape — and from there, transformation becomes possible. As Einstein said, we can’t solve a problem at the same level where it was created.

Nadège:
Love that metaphor. Have you seen tangible results?

Valérie:
Yes — maturity. In one company, dialogue was blocked between employees and management. By simply creating real conversation, they found small, low‑cost solutions together. The atmosphere, engagement, and well‑being improved quickly. Culture shifted because people felt heard and valued.

Nadège:
A perfect way to close — change starts with small, real actions.

Valérie:
Exactly. Culture lives in the everyday. Like early human culture — born not from monuments but from daily gestures. True transformation comes from going back and forth between details and big picture — between doing and reflecting.

Nadège:Beautifully said. Thank you, Valérie.

Valérie:
Thank you, Nadège — and for anyone wanting to connect, I’m on LinkedIn. I love listening, learning, and seeing what’s possible through conversation.

Transforming Culture Through Self-Management with Tullio Siragusa

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Tullio Siragusa, seasoned business strategist, author, and founder of Invetrica Advisory and the Empathic Framework.

Tullio specialises in decentralised, people-centric operating models that transform organisations from the inside out.

Tullio shares his extraordinary journey—from decades as an executive to becoming a fractional CEO and cultural transformation expert. l

We discuss:
📌 Why traditional, hierarchical systems are failing modern organisations
📌 How self-managed cultures unlock engagement, innovation, and real accountability
📌 Why decentralised decision-making leads to stronger, healthier leadership
📌 The four universal human drivers that shape every thriving culture

Whether you’re a CEO feeling the weight of decision-making, a leader longing for a healthier work environment, or someone curious about future-ready organisational models, this episode will reshape how you think about leadership, power, and culture.

To continue the discussion with Tullio, contact him

Communication Intelligence & the Future of Leadership with Ash Seddeek

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Ash Seddeek, founder of Intelligent Context AI—the communication intelligence platform designed to help organisations communicate, align, and lead more effectively.

Ash shares his journey from coaching leaders at global companies like Cisco, Google, Uber, Salesforce, and Oracle to developing a framework for measuring and improving communication intelligence.

We discuss:
📌 What “communication intelligence” really means—and how it can be measured
📌 Why understanding communication preferences accelerates clarity and action
📌 How leaders can improve innovation, decision-making, and psychological safety
📌 The Free Up / Think Up / Speak Up model for modern strategic leadership

Whether you’re leading a large organisation, growing a team, or navigating cross-cultural communication, this episode will transform how you communicate and how you lead.

To continue the discussion with Ash, contact him:

Communication, Culture & Well-Being Through Archaeology with Celia Orsini

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Celia Orsini, archaeologist, writer, and founder of Archaeology for Well-Being. Celia uses heritage, material culture, and hands-on engagement with the past to help modern teams strengthen communication, reduce stress, and build meaningful connection.

Celia shares her unique journey—from academic research in Early Mediaeval Archaeology to creating workshops that use objects, landscapes, and ancient practices to support well-being in today’s workplaces.

We discuss:

📌 Why curiosity is a powerful pillar of mental well-being

📌 How hands-on, sensory activities help teams connect and communicate

📌 Why non-controversial themes from the past open the door to trust and dialogue

📌 How simple rituals, self-assessment tools, and shared experiences strengthen team cohesion

Whether you work in a corporate team, a small business, or a community environment, this episode will inspire you to rethink how the past can help you communicate better, feel calmer, and create stronger relationships in your workplace.

Picture on the cover (courtesy of Celia): Sutton Hoo Belt Buckle, Early 7th c. Princely Ship Burial (aka My Precious)

Continue the discussion with Celia on:

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Aloysius (Al) Carl, leadership and communications expert with decades of experience across startups and global organisations, including Procter & Gamble.

Al shares his fascinating professional journey—from early leadership lessons to managing high-stakes communication in complex, fast-moving environments. We discuss:
📌 Why clarity is the foundation of effective communication in business
📌 Why simple, audience-centred messages create better alignment and faster results
📌 How culture can accelerate—or completely block—organisational change
📌 The emotional side of communication and why logic alone never changes behaviour

Whether you’re leading a team, driving transformation, or simply trying to make your messages land more effectively at work, this episode will help you rethink how you communicate, influence, and build culture in your organisation.

The Power of Storytelling in Business with Kyle Patrick Smith

In this episode of The Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Kyle Patrick Smith, founder and CEO of HR Kyle Services, to explore how storytelling transforms communication in the workplace

Kyle shares his professional journey from HR leadership to helping organisations and individuals find clarity through stories that inspire action.

We discuss:

🎙️ Why every business needs a story that connects purpose with people

🎙️ How storytelling builds trust, strengthens culture, and improves recruitment

🎙️ The difference between telling a story and living it through everyday communication

🎙️ Why personal stories help professionals find alignment and confidence in their careers

Whether you’re a leader shaping company culture or an individual rethinking how you present yourself at work, this episode will help you see storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and growth.

If you want to continue the discussion with Kyle:

Making Complex Ideas Simple — with Kristen Sweeney

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I talk with Kristen Sweeney, writer and content strategist, about how to make complex information easier to understand — without oversimplifying it.

With over 15 years of experience helping organisations in pharma, consulting, healthcare, and education communicate clearly, Christine shares practical insights into finding the right balance between accuracy and clarity.

We discuss:
➡️ Why simplifying your message helps your audience truly understand it
➡️ How to bridge the gap between experts and non-experts
➡️ The “curse of knowledge” and how to overcome it
➡️ Why empathy and preparation are key to good communication
➡️ The limits of AI when it comes to clarity and human connection

If you’ve ever struggled to explain something important — to a client, a colleague, or your team — this episode will help you find your way to clearer, more confident communication.

Listen now and discover how to make your message truly resonate.

To continue the discussion with Kristen, go to:

The Power of Inner Communication with Dr. Albert Bramante

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I speak with Dr. Albert Bramante, a performance psychologist, talent agent, and mindset expert.

We explore how our inner communication—the way we talk to ourselves—shapes our mindset, performance, and relationships with others.

You’ll learn:

➡️ How language and self-talk influence success and wellbeing

➡️ Why taking action is the key to building momentum and growth

➡️ How the company we keep impacts our mindset and motivation

➡️ The real role of AI in amplifying, not replacing, human communication

➡️ Why “not ready” is a lie—and how to start imperfectly but confidently

This inspiring conversation will help you rethink the way you speak to yourself, your team, and the world around you.

The Power of Photography in Business with Xavier Clark

In this episode of the Communication and Culture Podcast, I sit down with Xavier Clark, branding and documentary photographer, storyteller, and founder of XC Photography UK.

Xavier shares his fascinating journey—from unexpected beginnings to building a photography business that helps brands stand out with powerful, authentic images. We discuss:
📸 Why a single image can shape how people see your brand
📸 How photography balances technical skill with art and human connection
📸 The role of storytelling in creating images that resonate with the right audience
📸 Why collaboration, listening, and understanding are key to impactful business photography

Whether you’re an entrepreneur relying on stock photos or someone curious about how visual storytelling shapes perception, this episode will inspire you to rethink the way you use images in your business.

In this episode, I receive Sarah Yandell.

Sarah is a heart led business coach and helps ambitious female business owners who have a proven business idea and are starting to grow. They want to run a successful business, but are becoming overwhelmed and stressed. She guides them on a step by step journey that she has already travelled using her B.U.I.L.D Framework so they can build a business that they love; a business that is right for them and their lifestyle.

She has spent most of her career in the travel industry which has included setting up a business unit for an international travel company which grew to $10m in 5 years with a team of 10 and co founding a specialist tour operator which turned over £500k in the first year and eventually reached $8m sales with a team of 25. Since then she has run a floristry business; a travel franchise and an outsourcing franchise before becoming a business coach.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Where a successful business begins: vision and values
• Assess and research your vision
• Communicate your vision
• Get the right people for the business
• The B.U.I.L.D framework

To continue the discussion with Sarah, reach her:

In this episode, I receive Joshua Altman.

Joshua is a creative professional and communications expert with more than 20 years of experience and a background in the public and private sectors and earned his M.A. in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University. He is the managing director of beltway.media, a D.C.-based creative and communications firm. Prior to launching beltway.media, Joshua worked as a multimedia journalist with The Hill newspaper covering the full scope of federal policy issues and multiple election cycles.

As a consultant, Joshua works with both the public and private sectors including startups at all stages to refine their messaging and connect with their different audiences including customers and investors. At the federal level, Joshua modernized, rebranded, wrote, and relaunched multiple agency websites to optimally engage diverse stakeholders.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of data in communication
• Data and conversations
• What to do with the data
• Trials and errors, also known as A/B testing
• Integrated communication to cater for all users experiences

If you want to continue the conversation with Joshua:

In this episode, I receive Kristin Mcilquham. Kristin is an actor. She worked for the BBC, National Theatre, written critically acclaimed one woman show Headcase and the founder of coaching company STUDIO SELF.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Some acting tools can be useful
• Listening is paramount. Listening to yourself too
• Be curious about yourself
• The sheet of paper on the floor
• Value work and the 20 things you like

If you want to continue the discussion with Krissi, reach her on

A special episode in French with Alexandre Courtés.

Comment un rêve personnel est devenu une réalité collective.

We discuss how a personal dream became a shared reality.

In this episode, I receive Maritsa Inglessis, an Employee Retention and People Operations Expert. She helps growing businesses stop the cycle of high employee turnover and build workplaces people actually want to stay in.

In this episode, we discuss:

• HR on both execs and employees sides
• The place of communication in a company’s harmony
• How to articulate a business long term goals
• Communication toolkit for communicating with employees
• Importance of real interactions
• It can be done remotely

If you want to continue the discussion with Maritsa, reach out:

In tis episode, I receive Angela Lewis.

From the hardwood courts of college and professional basketball to global teams Angela's journey has always centered on leadership, connection, and impact.

As a former athlete and coach, she learned how to lead under pressure, build trust, and inspire performance. Those lessons became the foundation for every role she's taken on—whether training over 500 athletes to communicate with confidence, building partnerships that strengthen communities, or launching businesses that help others amplify their voice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Move to and inspire action
• Team performance begins with 1 on 1
• Trust and share
• the 6V: from Valley to Victory
• It begins with a feeling
• You train for it

If you want to continue the discussion with Angela, reach her on:

In this episode, I receive Sophia Lorimer. Sophia is an award winning sustainable stylist.She helps women and leaders to confidently reclaim control of their wardrobe and style sustainably.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Perfectly imperfect
• What our clothes say about us
• It is about how it makes you feel
• Carry your values with your clothes
• Wardrobe for creativity and empowerment
• Clothes, culture and society
• Clothes and authenticity

If you want to continue the discussion, you can reach Sophia:

In this episode I receive as a guest Melissa Dinwiddie.

Melissa is an Innovation, Culture & Communication Strategist. She helps tech leaders Create the Impossible™ through playful, interactive keynotes, workshops & retreats.

From the Juilliard School in New York to jazz singing, from calligraphy to creativity coaching, she's lived a life of turning dreams into achievements. Now, she's here to help your team do the same.

In tis episode we discuss:

• You are not creative, are you?
• Innovation in the middle of the 3Cs: connection, communication and creativity
• The time traveller exercise
• The Create the Impossible™ framework: Play hard - Make crap - Learn fast

Ruth Milligan helps people find their voice, tell theirstory, and have their message be heard. For overthree decades, she has served as a communicationstrategist, coach and trainer. Founder and curatorof one of the longest-running TEDx programs,TEDxColumbus, her career has included rolesof speechwriter, national press secretary, andembedded consultant to billion-dollar contractpitches for Fortune 10 companies.  In this episode we discuss:

• Speaking is a whole body and mind experience
• Speaking is a performance
• The transient nature of spoken words
• Learn, feel, do and the 5 minute exercise
• Breath instead of filler words
• Speaking is risky
• Shaded habits

If we want to continue the discussion, go to:

In this episode, I receive Lauren Krailo. Lauren's journey has been a testament to innovation from a young age. As an Air Force 'brat', she navigated new schools and built connections everywhere she went, honing her adaptability and relationship-building skills.She launched Krailo Socials, a company focused on innovative marketing strategies, by leading the rebranding of a college bar through social media as their first project.Today, Lauren is a passionate advocate for innovation in the construction space. She empowers businesses to ditch outdated tactics and embrace digital marketing, sharing her knowledge through workshops and talks. Lauren's mission is to ignite the spark of innovation in others and help them achieve their marketing goals.In this episode, we discuss

• Why is social important for businesses
• The 3 channels marketing concept
• How to begin with social media
• How to choose the most appropriate platform(s)
• And more

If you want to continue the discussion with Karen, get in touch on

I can't believe I have not received Sylvie Lui before as a guest on my podcast!

As a voice specialist, she of course has so much to share about communication.

Sylvie is an Executive Voice, Accent, and Communications coach based in London, UK. Her expertise is in vocal development and performance for effective communication and public speaking. She specialises in inclusivity & diversity and teaches with an intercultural and international perspective geared towards those working in international work spaces.
Sylvie works in London and internationally with global companies and privately with professionals across a varying spectrum of executive, senior & middle level management, entrepreneurs, lawyers, consultants + across all sectors.

Our voice and how it is perceived, by ourselves and others, is such an important part of communication, and highly cultural.

In this episode, we discuss:

where your voice sits in communication how the perception of voice shapes what people think of us change and authenticity in your voice when you need help a lot has to do with loving our voice and more...

PS: The episode was recording on Chinese New Year day.

If you want to keep discussing with Sylvie,

contact her at info@voicetraininginlondon.co.uk

There it is, the latest episode of the Communication and Culture podcast.

My guest Pam Buchanan. She is the founder of Quantum Sense, and stands at the intersection of corporate prowess and soulful innovation. With over 40 years of experience in corporate America, including pivotal roles at Nasdaq, Pam brings extensive experience to the table.    

Her journey to Quantum Sense began with a profound assertion: that the modern world is missing a focus on a very vital contributor to success, Soul Health. This insight spurred over a decade of research culminating in her innovative concepts and frameworks. Pam's background uniquely positions her to understand the evolving corporate landscape and the benefit of putting an emphasis on a connection to the senses to drive Soul Health and holistic wellbeing at work.    

Pam has developed programs tailored for companies that are proven to enhance employee well-being, reduce anxiety, and boost creativity, ultimately fostering a more satisfying work-life balance. Covering topics from neuro-aesthetics to sound engineering, Pam explores how these can be used to benefit the soul from the outside in, through the gateway of the senses.  

In this episode we discuss:

• Sense to Soul: ground yourself in your senses
• Soul's essence and passion
• We are energy and it can be positive or negative
• Umwelt
• Shape the signals to your senses
• How to incorporate Soul Health in your workplace

In this episode of the Communication and Culture podcast, I receive Corine LaFont.

Corine is a seasoned strategic communication specialist boasting over a decade of diversified experience in fields including journalism, digital marketing, and public relations across the Caribbean. Tune in to hear invaluable insights from her journey working with major organizations such as OECSC, CARICOM, and numerous government and international bodies. In this episode, we discuss:

- Corine's extensive experience in journalism, writing, publishing, podcasting, public speaking, voiceovers, public relations, digital marketing, project management, and administration.

- Corine's personal interests, including a passion for dancing, particularly Latin and ballroom styles.

- Insights into her career and personal anecdotes that illustrate her approach and creativity in communication.

- Discussion on cultural influences in communication and how these shape public relations and strategic communication practices in the Caribbean.

- Advice and tips from Corinne for aspiring communication professionals.

In this episode of the Communication and Culture podcast, I receive Maria Arpa.

Maria Arpa, a leading expert in workplace dynamics and compassionate communication, is transforming the way organisations address conflict and build relationships. Her journey from London's impoverished slums to becoming a successful entrepreneur and renowned conflict resolution specialist is both inspiring and enlightening.    
Maria believes in creating workplace communities that transcend traditional hierarchies and embrace diverse cultures, belief systems, and generational differences. Her innovative "Dialogue Road Map" facilitates heart-centred communication, reduces unnecessary suffering, and fosters mutual respect, making her a sought-after advisor for senior management and C-suite executives. In this episode, we discuss:

- Going from debate to dialogue

- Receiving and giving

- Making a conversation irresistible

- The importance of context and contract (unwritten rules and unconscious behaviours)

- Keeping people in the reality of where they stand in the context

To discuss further with Maria, check out:

Robert Kennedy III (RK3) is a leadership communication expert, international keynote speaker, corporate trainer and best-selling author. For the past 10 years, RK3 has spoken for and worked with some of the world’s largest companies, associations, government and faith-based organizations. Notable clients include AARP, Social Security Administration, Comscore, U.S. Coast Guard,  Barnes & Noble, Michigan Realtors Association, National Realtors Association, and many others. In this episode we discuss:

• The story framework: context, characters, conflict and conclusion, with a dash of catalyst and call to action
• How to think storytelling isn't that hard and how to initiate it in the organisation
• Storytelling is about connections; is a way of making the non rational side of feelings surface to get more of the message and reconnect to previous experience
• Remind people of their journey
• Gather your stories
• Begin with the story of the organisation

In this episode, I receive Sophia Kristjansson.

Sophia specialises in diversity, equity & inclusion, change management, people strategies, and executive coaching.

She applies the concepts of behavioural neuroscience and organisational psychology to help leaders and their organisations achieve their business outcomes. Her extensive studies abroad, international management and marketing roles, and deep consulting experience provide a fresh, pragmatic approach to transforming cultures.

Sophia builds vulnerability, empathy, and insight across workgroups as part of the change management process. She helps professionals transform their leadership, which generates significant, sustainable behaviour change and creates more effective management that supports organisational cultures of inclusion and belonging.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The neuroscience of change
• Change, stress and communication
• Differential involvement in change to make it a success
• The importance of the speed of change
• The 4-step change process

If you want to continue the discussion with Sophia, you can at reach her:

Toby Mildon is a Diversity & Inclusion Architect who is passionate about creating diverse workplaces and cultures that are inclusive. He has helped some of the UK's largest companies, including the BBC, Deloitte, Sony, and HarperCollins Publishing, improve staff retention, brand innovation, productivity, and performance. Toby's Inclusive Growth Culture Programme helps businesses implement real change and avoid shallow and superficial diversity initiatives. He speaks passionately about how moving beyond superficial diversity initiatives and building a culture of inclusive growth is essential. It addresses the underlying issues of inequality and creates a sustainable framework for continued growth and success. In this episode, we discuss:

• Why it's important to communicate around EDI in an organisation
• How communicating around EDI is linked to the organisation's culture
• How a culture strong on EDI will help your business grow
• How you communicate correctly about EDI
• I don't get it, I don't like it, I don't like you
• Go get data!

In this latest episode, I interview Tray Borreson to discuss the relation between marketing and communication.

Tracy is all about authenticity, specifically in the digital space. In a world where it’s easy to hide and follow someone else’s path, Tracy endeavors to lead with her personal brand, as well as encourage others to find, own and show up with their personal brand leading the way. Tracy strives to bring more uniqueness to the world for individuals AND businesses, because THAT’S what actually stands out in a crowded marketplace.

We discuss:

• The uniqueness of each of us
• Transferable communication
• Her unique approach to branding and marketing
• Authenticity in marketing
• Marketing = communication between brand and people
• Fulfilling an existing need
• Marketing is about us!

Here is the latest episode of the Communication & Culture podcast.

And in this episode, I receive Neil Lawrence.

Neil is a transformational neurodivergent coach working with executives, creatives and coaches to help them finish what they start with confidence. He identifies as an outsider and is change maker for LGBTQ+ disability and wellbeing visibility. He is a mindfulness practitioner who lives with PTSD and fibromyalgia. He is a published fiction writer who is currently working on his first novel.

We discuss:

• What makes communication with neurodivergent people different,
• Listen,
• Take the label out of it and look at the individual, the person,
• The role and impact of the system,
• Emotional connection

To continue the discussion with Neil:

Julie Chakraverty has 30 years of financial services and technology experience. She's served on multiple global listed company boards and currently serves on the boards of Starling Bank and NCC Group, the global cyber security company. She is also the founder of Rungway, the employee engagement platform that helps leaders identify emerging issues and have real impact, company-wide.
During her executive career Julie was a Board Member of UBS Investment Bank where she held a number of global leadership positions and won industry awards for innovation every year between 2001-2009 for her “CreditDelta” technology product.
In 2006 she was named in Management Today’s ‘Top 35 Women Under 35’. In 2013 she was recognized in The Times newspaper as the youngest female director of a FTSE-100 company, aged 41.

In this episode, we discuss the following points:

• Why change fails
• The information gap: information is lost as you go higher in the organisation
• Why communication is important in any change initiative
• The lived experience we all bring to work

You can continue the discussion with Julie by

In this episode, I receive Magali Vives, a codevelopment (Codev) specialist.

Truly « addict » to cultural diversity, Magali calls herself a citizen of the world before anything else. Her mission is to contribute to improving the quality of interactions amongst individuals ; she is convinced that this is the key to a better world. Here is why, on a daily basis, she supports leaders and organizations worldwide and actively contributes to spreading the method of codevelopment.

Welcome to this episode of the Communication & Culture podcast. I receive a special guest: 

Liz Kislik is a management consultant and executive coach, and a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Her TEDx “Why There’s So Much Conflict at Work and What You Can Do to Fix It” has received almost half a million views. She specializes in developing high performing leaders and workforces, and for 30 years has helped family-run businesses, national nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Girl Scouts, Staples, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Highlights for Children solve their thorniest problems. 

Liz’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s Morning Download, the Washington Post, Business Insider, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Her articles have been included in Harvard Business Press books Guide to Motivating People, Dealing with Difficult People, and Guide to Power and Impact, as well as in Entrepreneur, the European Financial Review, and the Forward. 
  
She is a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches initiative, which brings together the world’s top coaches and thinkers; has taught at Hofstra University and New York University; and is a frequent podcast guest. She received her BA from Yale University and earned an MBA in Management from NYU. 

We discuss the communication around conflict and its relationship with a company’s culture. 

Liz talks about the diversity of conflict and highlights its similarities too. A big intake for me is the subjectivity of conflict. 

Liz gives us examples how the culture of a company can increase unintentionally the level of conflict and that you need to take active steps to change the aspects of the culture creating conflict. 

We are usually unconscious of other people’s perspectives, and this can trigger conflict. A lack of awareness of our assumptions. 

Liz gives us advice on how to handle conflict. We feel conflict in our body. The first thing is to calm our body. Then, we open to others and we also look at structural aspects of the company that can perpetuate conflict. 

To continue the discussion with Liz, you can reach her on the following social media: 

In this episode, I receive Robin Sacks, a confidence coach. For many years now, Robin has been helping leaders to develop their confidence.

And yes, it is something that Robin stressed so well: confidence can be developed and learned. You are not born confident, or not.

In this episode, Robin discusses how ther is a fine balancing act between stress and confidence and how when one goes up, the other goes doen automatically.

Far from being theoretical, Robin gives us simple actions who can take to decrease stress and increase confidence. Isn't it what we all want?

What I was particularly interested in was to delve, using Robin's expertise and knowledge, into the relationship between confidence and inclusive. It is not as simple as you might think.

So, listen to the full episode to make you get all Robin's nuggets.

If you want to continue the discussion with Robin, you can catch up with her:

In this episode, I receive Tom Hannigan, an experienced recruiter to talk about recruitment and inclusion.

I was glad to hear from Tom's experience that most companies he's been working with have in their minds diversity and inclusion when they want to recruit and that companies are keen on improving in general on these topics.

However, the approach taken by companies will differ a lot depending on their culture, if I can say. Tom shares interesting differences between companies from different countries. Different approaches are used because regulations and laws can allow certain things in some countries that are not allowed in others.

The approach seems to be also shaped by the more widespread discussions in the society. For instance, companies will think more of racial diversity for instance when the topic is more prominent in media and society as a whole.

Tom shares his insights on what recruiters can do to help companies fulfilled their diversity and inclusion goals. Recruiters can help diverse people to apply. Work well on the job description. Make it inclusive and keep it simple and to the point. Give an idea of how it feels like and is to join the organisation.

We had an interesting discussion around the use of anonymised CVs.

We finish with Tom giving you his advice, so listen to the end!

Today's guest is Janina Neumann, a German/English Creative Director and Intercultural Trainer and the host of the Bicultural Podcast. In this episode, Janina shares her experience of how her biculturalism helped her understand cultural differences, how people reacted to her being from a different culture. She shares some tips and practices when interacting with people from different cultures and share many insightful examples.

She also shared the framework of principles developed by Dignified Storytelling and give touching examples about some of them. The principles are:

1: It's not my story 2: I do no harm 3: We are all multi-dimensional 4: Consent is more than paperwork 5: I am biased (repeat) 6: I do my homework 7: I am empathetic 8: I protect others' data like it's my own 9: Truth over headlines 10: A story can change the world.

In this episode I am talking to Dr Richard Beal, a professionalism expert.

We discuss the relationship between professionalism and the culture of an organisation. Richard shares his experience and deep knowledge on the topic in wonderful nuggets of insights.

In short, there is a strong link between the level of professionalism and the culture of an organisation. The standards and expectations, or lack of, are a reflection of the underlying culture.

To summarise, professionalism rubs off others and to the whole organisation, positively or negatively. So, a good way to improve your culture is to increase the level of professionalism you require from your people and from yourself.

In this episode, I receive as a guest Henrika Tonder. Henrika is originally from Finland. She has lived half of her life in France and is now located in Helsinki with her husband of 2 decades and their 3 teenage boys. She stands for equality and believes that we can’t afford to waste another generation of unused human potential. As a self-employed Peace Performance Coach Henrika helps international high achievers, start-up founders and CEOs in growth companies raise their level of awareness, develop emotional intelligence and create their best possible lives! She works globally in 4 languages: English, French, Finish and Swedish.

We discuss the power of coaching and how using coaching among other approaches will improve the implementation of inclusion in organisations.

If you want to continue the discussion with Henrika, you can reach her: