TIE Unearthed

What if real expertise makes you less certain, not more? And what happens when we already know enough to act, but still don’t? Thierry Courvoisier has spent a lifetime testing what we think we know. An astrophysicist and honorary professor at the University of Geneva, he created and led the science data centre responsible for ESA’s INTEGRAL gamma-ray satellite, and later became President of the European Academies Science Advisory Council, bringing scientific evidence into the world of public decision-making. For Thierry, doubt is fundamental. You cannot think critically without it. But doubt everything, all the time, and you have nothing solid enough to move forward from. That tension sits at the heart of this conversation. We explore why genuine expertise can make it easier to say “I don’t know”; why many of humanity’s biggest challenges may no longer be problems of knowledge, but of judgement and action; and what happens when evidence meets short-term interests, competing priorities and systems that…

What happens when the people whose job is to know have to become increasingly comfortable with not knowing? We have more data, more opinions and more intelligence at our fingertips than ever before. And yet working out what deserves our attention, and what to believe, may be getting harder. That tension sits at the heart of my conversation with Michael Swaisland, Vice President of Consumer Intelligence and Transformation at Arla Foods. Michael and I have worked closely together over the past couple of years through TIE Leadership’s work with his team at Arla, so this conversation comes from questions we’ve been exploring together in real time. We talk about what happens when AI can analyse more information than any human possibly could, and why that may make curiosity, judgement and empathy more important, not less. We explore the increasingly different realities created by our feeds, what that means for trust, and why expertise alone is no longer enough when every problem can be seen through multiple…

Most conversations about AI begin with speed. What can be done faster, cheaper, with fewer people involved. But almost none begin with what an organisation has never been able to do at all. And that's where my conversation with Debbie Ahenkorah and Cameron Milne ended up, although it started somewhere else entirely. They first met through TIE Leadership during the pandemic. Debbie was leading Golden Baobab in Ghana and needed help translating an ambitious social-impact idea into something the corporate world could understand. Cam, then working in advertising in New York City, became a bridge between the two. Six years later, Cam is the founder of Braid, focused on the human side of AI transformation, and Debbie is part of that work. During our conversation, Debbie makes an interesting observation: for a small organisation that has always had the ambition but not the resources, AI can become “their Cam.” Which then opens up a much bigger question. If capability is becoming less scarce, what might become…

Some ideas don’t fail because they are wrong. They fail because the world has nowhere to put them yet. We often assume that if something is good enough, an audience is already there, waiting. But sometimes what you are actually building is the audience itself. That idea runs through my conversation with Faisal Kiwewa, founder and Artistic Director of the Bayimba Foundation in Uganda. Faisal began as a musician himself. But when performing became too expensive to sustain, he realised the problem was much bigger than his own career. So, over twenty years ago, Faisal set out to create opportunities for Ugandan artists who had talent but few places to perform, collaborate or build sustainable careers. Today, Bayimba has helped shape Uganda’s thriving arts landscape, from live music and festivals to training and art forms that simply weren’t there before. We talk about what it takes to keep building before the market exists, why Faisal chose to stop performing himself, and what becomes possible when fresh…

Curiosity is easy to praise and surprisingly hard to organise. Most organisations say they want more of it. Then they reward speed, certainty and the person who arrives with the answer. That tension sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeppe Fischer-Mogensen, Head of Strategic Planning at Arla, on this week's episode of TIE Unearthed. Jeppe grew up in a small town in Denmark, feeling slightly outside of things, following interests nobody else around him cared about. That sense of being on the edge shaped how he sees organisations now, and how rarely they make space for genuinely open thinking. We explored why curiosity needs purpose, but also room. Why something as small as calling a session a “presentation” rather than a “workshop” can change how people show up. And why brave ideas rarely emerge because people are told to be braver. And he leaves us with a thought I love: Have strong opinions, but hold them lightly. A useful place to leave any conversation about curiosity. Episode 120 of TIE Unearthed…

What if the problem was never that people can't cope, but that we've built a way of working no human was ever meant to sustain? Just think about that for a moment. This thought sits at the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Shaw, founder and principal of the Canadian change and transformation consultancy Changify. For more than twenty years she has worked inside complex organisational change, helping businesses navigate mergers, transformations and the realities of leading through uncertainty. Where Kimberly goes is somewhere more interesting than frameworks. She takes one of leadership's favourite words and then turns it back on itself. Resilience, she suggests, has become something organisations expect from people, rather than something they are willing to build for them. And a bigger question then follows. If trust, connection and psychological safety are the first things to disappear whenever the pressure rises, were they ever really part of the system at all? We cover a lot of ground, and Kimberly's…

Some people sense that the question they are allowed to ask is not yet the question that matters. Reflect on that for a moment. It comes from Philippe Vandenbroeck, my guest on this week's episode. An engineer who became a philosopher, then an urban planner, then one of Europe's most original thinkers on how organisations actually change. He founded shiftN thirty years ago and now teaches imagination as a pre-design practice at ETH Zürich. What makes Philippe rare is where he has arrived. Not at more certainty, but at less. He describes a shift from systems thinking to what he calls systems being. From trying to master the mess to accepting our place inside it. We talk about why imagination is not a luxury but a precondition for change. And about a gap most organisations never measure. Most boards can name the cost of a decision, but almost none can name the cost of doing nothing. Philippe believes that gap is where the questions that matter actually live. The full episode is out now. 👉 In the meantime,…

How many times this week did you nod along when something in you wanted to say no? That small surrender feels harmless, but Nick Whitnell would argue it's exactly where the cracks begin. In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Nick. A leadership coach, facilitator, former corporate executive, and the founder of Daring Works and The Natural Network. After years in senior leadership roles, burnout brought Nick to a full stop. What followed wasn't a dramatic reinvention or a neatly packaged transformation story. It was instead something far more honest; a slower, messier journey back toward authenticity and self-compassion. But this conversation isn't really about burnout. It's about the quiet cost of swallowing who we are to fit the systems we're part of. Maybe it's the mortgage, the family expectations, the roles we play until we forget they were ever roles at all. And it's about what it takes to come home to yourself. We talk about resilience, and why Nick avoided the word for years as it became…

What happens when a profession designed to bring more humanity into organisations gets weaponised by a culture war? When language that was meant to create belonging becomes something both sides throw at each other? And when the corporate world quietly retreats from work it once pledged to champion, what are the real consequences for innovation, adaptability, and long-term survival? In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Joe Gerstandt, a speaker, author, and advisor with over 25 years of experience leading and supporting organisational DEI efforts across nearly every industry imaginable. From Fortune 100 companies to government, healthcare, and nonprofits, Joe has spent his career helping leaders move beyond performative conversations and toward something far more grounded: cultures where people can actually think, challenge, contribute, and belong. But this conversation isn't a defence of a programme or a political argument. It's a clear-eyed look at what went wrong, what was never properly…

What happens when technology becomes more powerful than ever, but we then forget to fully and intentionally live our lives? In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I connect with Brad Rossacci - a Creative Director, storyteller, and self-described “rebellious optimist” who believes curiosity and creativity are the fuel for human flourishing. Brad has spent years at the forefront of innovation at Accenture, and he’s now Executive Creative Director and Head of Story - shaping how some of the world’s biggest brands think, create, and connect. But this conversation goes far beyond branding and AI. We talk about the stories we tell ourselves, and how those stories end up shaping the way we create our lives. We explore the power of intentional living, the importance of the pause between stimulus and response, and what human agency means in the age of AI. We also explore authenticity and just how valuable it is in this ever-evolving world we are living in today. One of my favourite moments was Brad’s insight that: “High…

What does resilience really look like when life doesn’t go to plan? When the future you mapped out disappears…. When the people you love are facing something you can’t fix…. When success, as you once defined it, no longer feels like enough…. In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Joe Hamrahi, a seasoned CFO and trusted advisor who has spent over three decades helping businesses grow, scale, and make smarter decisions. But what makes Joe different is this: He doesn’t just understand numbers. He understands what really drives them. After nearly 20 years as CFO and COO of M Booth - scaling the business from $9M to over $90M - Joe now works closely with founders through FinStrat CFO, helping them navigate complexity with clarity, grounded in both performance and humanity. Because for Joe, Return on Humanity isn’t a concept. It’s something he’s lived. After navigating his wife’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis, the breakdown of his marriage, and stepping away from a corporate world that no longer aligned with…

What if the most powerful leadership tool we have right now… is a story? Not a framework. Not a strategy. But a story that shifts belief, in ourselves and in others. In TIE Unearthed, episode 113, I’m joined by Cyril Awere - a people-first transformation leader and the creator of the Believe Africa podcast, now reaching 24,000 subscribers, largely across the African continent. Born in London. Raised in Ghana. Working globally. Cyril sits at the intersection of growth mindset, agility, culture, and humanity. In this conversation, we explore how people often know far more than they think they do - but haven’t yet been given permission to believe it. Why short, accessible stories can create more movement than even the most sophisticated leadership models. How adaptability starts with mindset, not method. And why changing a narrative can quietly unlock potential - in individuals, organisations, and entire generations. Because today’s leadership challenge isn’t a lack of data or tools. It’s a lack of belief,…

What if purpose isn’t something you find, but instead something that you build? Recorded earlier this year, before life threw me a curveball, this episode ended up waiting a little longer than planned. But returning to it now, its message feels even more relevant. This episode is all about purpose. Real, steady-you-when-the-ground-moves purpose. The kind leaders are craving. The kind businesses can’t afford to ignore. My guest is the brilliant Nicola Pye - Leadership Coach, People Person, former EY Global Talent Director, and someone who has spoken to more than 40 purposeful leaders across continents and sectors to decode what purpose looks like in practice. Together, we explore: 💫 What truly gives you energy (and what quietly drains it) 💫 Why purpose isn’t a lightning bolt, but a series of intentional steps 💫 What happens when leadership teams aren’t aligned 💫 How stepping out of your comfort zone can reveal what actually lifts you 💫 And why purpose and commerciality are two sides of the same coin It’s…

In this special episode of TIE Unearthed, the tables turn once again. This time, my friend Helen Wada - fellow author, fellow cancer thriver, fellow podcaster, and passionate advocate for humanity in business - steps in to interview me. After an unexpected pause these last few months, life took me on a journey I never planned for. One that forced a full stop, asked me to trust my intuition, and revealed more beauty, gratitude, and clarity than I ever thought possible in the middle of a cancer chapter. Together, Helen and I explore what really happens when life throws everything up in the air - and how we choose to meet it. We talk about the power of manifestation and the art of responding when the universe has other ideas. We reflect on what emerges in the space created when everything stops, what it teaches us, and how it reshapes what we value. We dive into the lessons that surprised us both: ✨ how gratitude can exist even when life feels hard ✨ how joy and beauty can still find you in the thick of it ✨how…

What if the richest life wasn’t about accumulation, but contribution? What if success wasn’t about climbing higher, but going deeper - into purpose, into service, into meaning? And what if the greatest performance boost available to us today wasn’t technological, but human? Welcome to Episode 110 of TIE Unearthed. This week I sit down with Dr. Narath Carlile, a Harvard-trained physician, clinical informatician and systems thinker whose work is redefining how we live, work, and care. Born in South Africa, shaped by Canada, and working at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation, Narath’s story is one of constant evolution. After years inside medical systems that rewarded output over empathy, he asked a radical question: What if we designed systems to support human flourishing, not just survival? What followed was MakeTimeFlow Labs, a high-performance AI-supported platform that integrates neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven productivity to help people reclaim time, energy, and joy. In…

What if we’ve been asking the wrong questions about AI? What if it’s not just about what AI can do, but instead who we become in relationship with it? What if the real challenge isn’t technological, but moral, ecological, and civilisational? Welcome to Episode 109 of TIE Unearthed. This week I’m joined by Caroline Chubb Calderon, futurist, humanist, and one of the Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics. She’s the founder of Hello Humanity, a bold futures practice reimagining the role of AI in a flourishing world. Caroline doesn’t just talk about AI ethics. She challenges us to shift our entire worldview; from extraction to regeneration, from automation to imagination, from machine alignment to Life alignment. In this conversation, we explore: 🧭 Why regenerative economics, not efficiency at all costs, may be our only sustainable path forward 🌱 What it means to align AI with the principles of life, and the danger if we don’t 💡 The power of moral imagination and why it’s the leadership skill of our time 🧬 How…

What if the person at your next boardroom meeting, client lunch, or team offsite is secretly battling an addiction - yet looking like they have it all together? What if that person is you? And what if the culture you work in not only enables the behaviour, but rewards it? Welcome to Episode 108 of TIE Unearthed. This one is raw, honest, and a truth that few people publicly talk about. I’m joined by Tabbin Almond; coach, speaker, author, podcast host - and a former advertising exec who lived a double life. On the outside, polished, driven, and successful. On the inside, quietly struggling with alcohol addiction. In this candid and powerful conversation, Tabbin opens up about: ✨ How casual drinking evolved into a dangerous habit ✨ The shame and silence that kept her stuck ✨ Her first attempt at change - through hypnotherapy - and why it eventually wasn’t enough ✨ The turning point - and support resource - that finally helped her break free We hear about the science behind addiction, the myths we’ve absorbed…

What if the very system we trust to build our future is the reason we feel so lost today? What if the next revolution in business isn't about growth or profit, but instead about remembering what it means to be human? What if marketing could save capitalism? Welcome to episode 107 of TIE Unearthed, where I sit down with the extraordinary Elsie Maio; Wall Street veteran, McKinsey alum, and creator of the SoulBranding℠ System. For decades, Elsie has helped top executives navigate billion-dollar decisions with one eye on the market and the other on humanity. But this episode is about much more than business. It’s about myths. Those we’ve inherited and the ones we urgently need to write. It’s about the soul of leadership, the power of asking beautiful questions, and the deep systems work required to shift from ego-driven capitalism to inclusive wellbeing. In our conversation, we cover: 🔸 Elsie's journey, from reading Greek mythology at age 9 to counseling Fortune 50 boardrooms in the ‘80s 🔸 Her time at McKinsey,…

What does it look like when a democracy slowly starts to unravel? It's not overnight and not with tanks in the streets. But instead piece by piece; when institutions are quietly dismantled, civic norms are eroded, and unchecked power begins to take root. And more importantly - what can we do about it? This week on TIE Unearthed, I speak with my long-time friend Christina Hartman - powerhouse in the world of democracy, both at home in the U.S. and internationally. She’s worked with the likes of Freedom House and the National Democratic Institute, led multi-million dollar international programs, run for Congress and for Pennsylvania Auditor General, and raised millions for nonprofits. But today, she brings a warning: democracy in one of the world’s most influential nations is under threat, and many don’t even realise how far it’s already gone. In this conversation, we explore: 🔹 Christina’s incredible journey from international development to American politics 🔹 The slow path to authoritarianism and how it…

What do you do when the storm hits? Do you cling to what was—or boldly redefine what could be? Caspar Craven knows what it means to navigate the unknown. He’s sailed around the world. Twice. Once in a gruelling yacht race as team leader. And again—just a few years later—with his wife and three young kids under 10. But he’s not just an adventurer. He worked at KPMG, is also a serial entrepreneur, a former CFO, and a leading voice on what it really takes to achieve Big Bold Goals—not through spreadsheets and pressure, but through people, purpose, and the power of bold conversations. Welcome to episode 105 of TIE Unearthed. In this episode, Caspar joins me to talk about the deeply human side of leadership. We explore how constraints—whether in the middle of the ocean or in the boardroom—unlock creativity and resilience. Why real leadership means getting out of the comfort zone and going deep. And how our identity, fear of failure, and unwillingness to have uncomfortable conversations are often the biggest…

AI is changing everything. But are we losing something essential in the process? Imagine this: You ask a chatbot how its weekend was. It responds in a way that feels human—but does it really understand? Now, picture a doctor second-guessing their diagnosis. One moment, it's X. Then maybe it's Y. Then back to X again. That’s what AI is like right now—impressive, yes, but also flawed, inconsistent, and not always reliable. Welcome to episode 104 of TIE Unearthed. Today I’m joined by the brilliant Nathalie Nahai—bestselling author, keynote speaker, artist, psychologist, and advisor whose expertise lies at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behaviour. Together we dive into the profound impact AI is having on our creativity, decision-making, and even our sense of connection. In this episode we explore: 🔹 The dangers of synthetic intimacy—when AI mimics human empathy but lacks a moral compass 🔹 The cognitive risks of outsourcing too much thinking to AI—are we weakening our own abilities? 🔹 How…

"We don’t have time to be kind—we need to make money." This is what Raphael Cohen heard when he first started teaching leadership. Fast forward, and he’s now proving the opposite: If you want profitability, you need engagement. And if you want engagement, you need fairness and kindness. In fact, engaged teams can boost performance by 35%. So why are so many leaders still getting it wrong? That’s exactly what we dive into in this episode of TIE Unearthed. Raphael is a serial entrepreneur, professor, business angel, and expert in executive education. He taught entrepreneurship at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and later created the first MBA in entrepreneurship in Switzerland. His focus is teaching leaders how to spot opportunities, drive innovation, and create high-performing teams. We explore: 💡 The biggest blocker of innovation (hint: it’s not a lack of ideas) 💡 The key to seizing the right opportunities—and avoiding the wrong ones 💡 Why psychological safety is essential for engagement 💡 Two…

🚀 What does it take to navigate high-stakes moments in leadership and emerge stronger, more impactful, and truly aligned with your values? Some leaders wait for the right moment. Others create it. In this episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Sally Henderson—an in-demand high-stakes leadership mentor who helps senior executives and C-suite leaders thrive in moments of challenge, complexity, and opportunity. Sally’s journey is as bold as her approach. A proud Northerner with a straight-talking, no-fluff philosophy, she started in recruitment, building a successful agency from the ground up. But when she found herself coaching leaders through transitions, only to see them flounder post-recruitment, she realized where she could make the biggest impact. So, she took the leap, left the security of her business behind, and built her own global high-stakes leadership practice. Now, through her REAL Method™, Sally equips leaders with the fundamental principles they need to master how they lead—not…

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed stability, certainty, control—was actually holding you back? In today’s world, the leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who stick to the plan; they’re the ones who know how to adapt, inspire, and drive real change. In this episode, I sit down with Fernanda Lopes Larsen, Executive Vice President at Yara International, a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions, to explore what leadership truly means when the stakes are high, and uncertainty is the only constant. Born and raised in Brazil, Fernanda’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and an unrelenting commitment to breaking barriers. From FMCG to agribusiness, from Brazil to Austria to Singapore—her path wasn’t planned, but it was driven by a refusal to settle for what was expected. And that mindset has served her well. Leading a vast region across Africa, Asia, and Oceania, she has had to navigate everything from global pandemics to political upheaval—all while championing diversity, equity,…

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? To celebrate the 100th episode of TIE Unearthed, the tables have turned! In this special milestone episode, Philippa is joined by her friend Juliana Xavier, who takes the lead in a heartfelt and fascinating conversation about Philippa’s extraordinary journey—from her upbringing across South Africa, Canada, Thailand, UK, and Brazil, to founding TIE. Philippa reflects on her family’s profound influence, including her father’s work as a specialist anesthesiologist and her uncle’s role as one of Nelson Mandela’s physicians. While her family focused on helping people through medicine, Philippa charted her own path, first in advertising and later as the founder of TIE, driven by a passion for helping professionals break out of their monotonous routines and develop skills that create a more sustainable private sector—and a better world. But that’s not all—Juliana has gathered reflections and questions from Philippa’s friends, colleagues, and participants in…

What if work didn’t feel like… work? Imagine a workday that energises you instead of draining you. A career where intention, joy, and purpose lead the way. In this week’s episode of TIE Unearthed, I’m joined by the brilliant Beth Stallwood—coach, author, and founder of Create WorkJoy—to dive into how to transform your relationship with work. From her childhood days starring in a Heinz ketchup commercial (yes, really!) to creating a purpose-driven business, Beth’s journey is both inspiring and relatable. In this conversation, she shares her wisdom and practical tools to help you: ✨ Infuse joy into your work through small, actionable steps—no perfection required. ✨ Shift from negativity to intentionality and transform your mindset. ✨ Reflect on where you are, where you want to be, and how to bridge the gap. ✨ Escape chronic WorkGloom using Beth’s powerful 3 P’s framework. This isn’t just about work—it’s about living your life with intention, unlocking progress over perfection, and reclaiming joy in what you…

What does it take to lead in a world where connection and belonging are shifting before our eyes? How do leaders need to adapt to a workforce that’s increasingly hybrid, and where the next generation of talent expects so much more? I’m thrilled to reconnect with Susy Martins, a friend from university and an inspiring leader with a career that has spanned over 20 countries and some of the biggest names in business, from GE to Clearco. Susy’s journey from corporate powerhouses to founding her own HR consultancy is packed with valuable insights for today’s evolving workplace. Together, we explore Susy’s transition from leading large teams with million-dollar budgets to building her own business. We talk about the new paradigm of “conscious unbossing” and how it’s shaping future leadership. She shares eye-opening stats on connection and belonging in remote work—and why it’s a wake-up call for leaders. We hear how organizational network mapping is revealing hidden insights about engagement. And then the shifts in…

How does connecting with the real world connect us to our unconscious mind? Why is learning to harness our intuition considered one of the greatest superpowers at our disposal? And in what way is intuition both scientifically proven and deeply spiritual? Today, we’re exploring the hidden power of intuition—a concept often regarded as mysterious or “woo-woo,” yet grounded in a wisdom that transcends the rational. My guest, Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, is an Icelandic author, filmmaker, and leading voice in sustainability who has shaped her life and career across diverse fields, sparking change through her unique blend of insights. Hrund’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From community-driven post-conflict reconstruction work in Kosovo to confronting burnout in the UN, she has navigated intense experiences that ultimately led her to embrace intuition and purposeful connection as guiding forces. Today, she’ll share practical ways to tap into your own intuition—and why sometimes we need to tune into a…

For most of us, AI became an everyday reality when ChatGPT hit the scene in November 2022. But Joe Fennell, my guest on this week’s TIE Unearthed podcast, has been wrestling with AI’s challenges and opportunities long before that. In today's episode we dive deep into AI ethics, exploring questions like: Can AI be a force for good? How do we prevent it from widening global inequalities? And what guardrails are crucial to keep our world safe? Joe’s journey began when he realised that AI was going to transform the future—he even changed career plans from law to philosophy of AI and ethics. Now, he’s just graduated from the University of Cambridge’s first-ever Mphil cohort studying the 'Ethics of AI, Data, and Algorithms.' We talk about everything from AI's role in global power dynamics, to fuzzy robots helping kids learn, and even how AI might reshape healthcare. Plus, we dig into Joe's work with the UN Mission in Kosovo, using AI to empower young people and keep them safe from scams and threats in the digital…

What does it mean to align purpose with business, and why is artisanal mining key to a sustainable future? In today’s TIE Unearthed episode, we’re joined by Rob Karpati, a leader whose impressive career in global finance took a purposeful turn toward driving social impact. As a partner at The Blended Capital Group, Rob is on a mission to reshape artisanal mining—an industry that plays a critical role in the global energy transition. We’ll explore how artisanal mining, which accounts for 20% of the world’s gold and significant portions of essential minerals, can be formalised to improve not just environmental outcomes, but also the dignity and livelihoods of millions in underdeveloped regions. Rob takes us through the collaborative opportunities between artisanal miners and larger industries, the potential for building trust with communities, and why professionalizing this sector is the future of sustainable business. From human rights to climate change, Rob reminds us that business is, at its core, about…

Meritocracy would be a nice idea, but there is no evidence that leadership selection is meritocratic. We live in a world where men succeed because of their incompetence, and women fail because of their competence. So, what does progress look like? It is not about making it easy for competent women to succeed. Instead, progress is making it harder for incompetent men to succeed in the first place. If you would like to understand how the word authenticity has been weaponised in mainstream discussions. Why you should not be yourself. And the reason gender diversity in business isn’t for the benefit of women – then you really do need to listen to this episode with Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. Tomas is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, co-founder of deepersignals.com, and an associate at Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. And he is the author of 12 books – which includes Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become…

Ever wondered about the unseen struggles that young girls face around the world when it comes to menstruation, especially in remote areas? 🌍 In this eye-opening episode of TIE Unearthed, I sit down with Sia Towo, the Managing Director of Femme International in Tanzania, to delve deep into the challenges around culture and periods. Sia, with nearly eight years of experience working on grassroots initiatives across East Africa, sheds light on the harsh realities that many young girls endure due to lack of education and cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation. From the remote villages where girls are left uninformed about puberty, to the heartbreaking truth of young girls being forced into early marriage simply because they've started menstruating, Sia paints a vivid picture of the challenges they face. We discuss how these deeply ingrained cultural practices need to be rethought, especially when they infringe upon basic human rights. But it’s not just about the challenges—Sia shares stories of resilience and…

We know people-first companies are more competitive. BUT, for that to be possible, we need the L&D bods to be confident, have a voice, and have a place at the table. This is the KEY to ensure that the culture of companies is heading in the right direction. So, who is getting the L&D people ready for the C-suit conversations? 🤔 Today I’m speaking with my friend Cathy Hoy, a seasoned learning leader with over two decades of experience in Learning and Organisational Development. After working for big corporates like Tesco, Coke, and Expedia, Cathy co-founded and now runs CLO100, which focuses on developing those who develop others. CLO100 provides Community Membership and the Learning Leaders Programme, a programme dedicated to the development of L&D leaders, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to create high-performing learning organisations. 🏆 In this episode Cathy highlights the power of learning from failures, creating safe communities for support, and the importance of well-being in the…

I love mining companies – said no one, ever. This is a problem, right? These essential minerals have a critical role in the energy transition; but we don’t want them mined. And few people, as a result of this negative image, want to go into the industry. How is it ever going to evolve and be more sustainable? This is the conundrum we are talking about on today’s episode of TIE Unearthed. I am joined by Dr. Haydon Mort, a British Earth Scientist with over 15 years of research and lecturing experience, and the visionary founder of Geologize Ltd. With a PhD from Switzerland and a post-doc from the Netherlands, Haydon leads a globally acclaimed training program that reaches over 200,000 scientists. In this episode, Haydon emphasises the critical role of effective communication in the geosciences, underscoring how humanity and empathy can drive understanding and responsible behaviour in our increasingly interconnected world. We explore how his deep dive into neurology led to innovative teaching methods, making…

Welcome to Episode 90 of the TIE Unearthed podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to feature Oliver Banks, an expert consultant who works with senior leaders to transform retail and consumer-facing businesses. Ollie's career began with designing intricate systems in engineering, driven by a childhood curiosity for how things work. Seeking a more dynamic and people-focused role, he pivoted to retail with Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket. Now, as a consultant, he advises on navigating transformation and the ever-evolving world of retail. In this episode, we explore what true transformation means and why a human-centric approach is crucial in retail. Ollie shares his thoughts on the industry’s responsibility to cultivate future leaders, hybrid working, and the delicate decisions of company policies when considering variables such collaboration, trust, and mental health. We also discuss leadership, engagement, and the power of courage, with Ollie reading an excerpt from his book. This episode is a treasure trove of…

Today I welcome Milla Chaplin Rae from Mumbai, who shares her transformative journey and the incredible experiences that have shaped her life and career. Listen as we explore her profound experience with the TIE Leadership program, and how it became the catalyst for her next life chapter and her compelling book. Milla opens up about the emotional depths of her time in Myanmar during the military coup, the whirlwind of life abroad, and how these experiences reignited her passion for writing. We also discuss the realities of reverse culture shock, the journey of writing her book Not Quite to Plan amidst its traumatic content, and the universal lessons learned through immersive experiences. Milla provides practical advice for navigating difficult moments, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the often unspoken aspects of parenting, and reveals the magic formula of grit that played a crucial role in her story. Tune in for insights on finding fulfilment and purpose in corporate roles, the power of adaptability, and a…

Many of us wrestle with self-doubt. Whether it leaves us exhausted by over-preparing for things, or feeling frustrated and unfulfilled because it's holding us back. Join me on this episode of TIE Unearthed as I engage in a conversation with Julie Smith, the bestselling author of 'Coach Yourself Confident.' Julie's journey from corporate life at Mars and PepsiCo to founding Talent Sprout is truly inspiring. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the motivations behind Julie's focus on confidence in her book, exploring its complexities and how it evolves. We also uncover the often-overlooked pitfalls of over-preparation and overwork driven by self-doubt. Julie generously shares invaluable tips for mastering presentations, navigating the "self-doubt tax”, as she calls it, and then vividly depicts her own journey of writing the book. As we wrap up, Julie leaves us with a poignant quote on confidence saboteurs, emphasising the importance of embracing authenticity and staying true to ourselves. Expect insightful…

Welcome to today's episode where we embark on a journey with Pietra Mello-Pittman MBE, tracing her extraordinary path from the hallowed halls of the Royal Ballet School in London to the global stage of the Royal Ballet. But that's just the beginning. Get ready for a backstage pass into the mesmerising world of "Inala" – the Zulu Ballet, a Grammy Nominated sensation co-created by Pietra and her visionary partner, Ella Spira. From the glittering lights of the West End to standing ovations around the globe, their work not only captivates audiences but earns them the prestigious MBE honours. We get to hear about the grand renaissance as "Inala" returns as a permanent fixture in London's iconic West End, adorned with revolutionary designs and sets made of biodegradable materials, a testament to Pietra and Ella's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of Sisters Grimm, the creative powerhouse behind it all, dedicated to weaving tales that transcend borders and celebrate…

In an industry often dominated by relentless pursuit of profit and growth, Coffee and TV charts a different course, prioritising a deep-seated belief in the power of nurturing a supportive, family-like environment. Since its inception, this unique company has steadfastly refused to follow the conventional path laid out by corporations driven by financial metrics, choosing instead to grow at a pace dictated by artists and creative minds. And the result? Not only being a highly sought after creative studio to work at, but also being a profitable multi-million pound b-corp business. What is their secret sauce? Today Derek Moore, CEO of Coffee and TV, tells us. We learn about their commitment to being a force for good and how they have created an electrifying atmosphere that transcends the traditional employer-employee dynamic, leading to ground-breaking creativity and innovation. So throw on those running shoes, or find that favourite beverage, and here is Derek. Please don’t forget to let us know what you…

Did you know that 90% of the world’s money is controlled and invested by white men? Did you also know that when women are at the table, investment returns are proven to be higher? This is a conversation that will bring to life how portfolios can predictably outperform the market. It also shines a spotlight on a truly broken system. Recognising the stark disconnect between philanthropic grant dollars and how the rest of foundation assets are invested, Ruth Shaber wanted to do things differently with the Tara Health Foundation. Their bold intention was to utilise all capital, not just grant money, towards driving their social purpose of improving the lives of women and girls. This was about being 100% mission aligned. BUT, this was just the beginning of this journey. What they discovered next was not only fascinating, but game changing. It was also the catalyst to Ruth co-writing The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk. Ruth Shaber is the founder and president of Tara Health Foundation, a…

This is a story that starts with a rogue trader. And then moves to what happens when you truly empathise with the other side of an equation. Today I speak with Christian Hunt, the founder of Human Risk, a Behavioural Science led Consulting and Training Firm, specialising in the fields of Ethics and Compliance. And Author of Humanizing Rules. After Christian started to “eat his regulatory cooking” after implementing it at the financial services firm UBS, his life took an interesting turn. He started to focus entirely on people’s behaviour, on what makes them tick, and what gets them doing the things they shouldn’t, and neglect to do the things they should. In this episode we talk about Danny Boyle and the Olympics, and how his opening show was a powerful example of how to get people to do things you want them to do. Christian talks about how to get the best out of people. We hear how the airline industry can teach us a lot about compliance. And then Christian brings to life how the move from authoritarian…

When someone has lived around the world as a young person, what sort of job do they go into as an adult? And what happens when someone sees something that then impacts them on a visceral level? Today I speak with Lucy McCray, CEO at the Freedom Story. The Freedom Story is an organization that works to prevent child trafficking in Northern Thailand. As a child growing up, Lucy became very aware of inequality, the raw reality for people experiencing poverty, and how where someone is born can dictate one’s life path. These realisations started to shape her life’s purpose. She talks about her move to Thailand, where she started to understand what statelessness means, and the implications of someone not having citizenship in any country in the world. We hear about the real reason for people being trafficked, what prevents trafficking from happening and how to prevent abuse and exploitation from taking place. Lucy talks about pity-based marketing versus stories that are more dignified for everyone. And then we…

Where should we first look to find solutions to a problem? What is one of the most effective ways to unleash a person’s potential? What happens when benchmarks disappear and new normals are created? Today’s episode is going to show you just what is possible when the right conditions are created for people to thrive. Barbara Soalheiro is the founder of Mesa Company and the creator of Mesa Method. Mesa is a team based work system designed to solve complex challenges by unleashing human potential to process more and execute faster. We talk about the power of building a team based on having every bit of knowledge and skill needed to solve a specific problem. And then how time constraints being at the core of the team design make it possible for people to come up with extraordinary, paradigm changing, tangible solutions. Barbara’s company, Mesa, is all about creating a new timespace where solutions to big problems are built. She tell us how it works, what's they've done, and why it's so powerful. We talk about…

What is the power of giving someone a taste of possibility? How has the advertising industry been incentivised to make ads that shatter gender stereotypes? And why is it so important to see your life and the world from a different perspective? Today I talk with my friend Senta Slingerland, who used to be the Director of Brand Strategy at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, is the creator of See It Be It, a programme for the advancement of female creative leaders, and initiator of Cannes Chimera, a collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help NGOs receive creative mentorship. We hear about her time with the Brazilian innovation company Mesa that solves big problems for companies such as Google, Coca-Cola and Samsung in only 5 days by putting big thinkers around a table who have the relevant skills and knowledge to find powerful solutions to things. She tells us of the time she worked with a cyborg – and how it got her seeing the world differently. And she talks of the work…

What is the role of business in society? How can people’s perception with that then impact their experience at work? How does it then impact how a business shows up when it relates to all of its stakeholders and its long-term success? Today we do a deep dive into all of this with Sarah Gillard, using examples from her 27-year career in fast-paced commercial environments at some of the UK’s largest retail companies. In this milestone episode, Sarah Gillard talks about her time as Director of Purpose and Special Projects at the John Lewis Partnership where she was responsible for re-articulating and embedding the purpose of John Lewis so that it continues to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and strategic differentiation. Sarah compares her time working with the Arcadia group, a UK retail network with a very intense focus on short-term shareholder profit, against her time with the John Lewis Partnership, which is the UK’s largest co-owned business. John Lewis has 70,000 people working for the company,…

What does it mean to create an environment for success at a company? How do companies often get it wrong? What happens and what does that look like? Psychological safety is a key ingredient for businesses and teams to be able to improve, innovate and progress. People need to feel free to speak honestly and feel supported enough to come up with new ideas; without that freedom, new innovative solutions and problem solving is less likely to happen. And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about today. Dr Amanda Potter is an award-winning Chartered Psychologist, Leadership/ Executive Coach and a Certified Principal Business Psychologist with over 25 years' experience. She has been working with C-suite and senior executives to enable them to drive strategic success – and today she shares her stories and knowledge of working in the area of talent strategy. We hear about her experience which is rooted in leadership in crisis, resilience, Psychological Safety and belonging. Amanda will tell us about the…

There is a problem in the communications and creative industries that few people are doing anything about. It has to do with a senior ceiling that marginalised communities face when it comes to senior roles. There is a drain of really talented people that are leaving because they just don’t see a path for their progression in these companies. It not only doesn’t have to be that way, but business is worse off if this is allowed to happen. Today, Nazia Du Bois, former Global Head of Rare with Google, is going to bring all of this to life for us. Nazia is a multiple award-winning agency founder, creative strategy leader, and industry DEI champion. She most recently led Google's global DEI program, Rare with Google, aimed at raising diversity in the creative industries. Before that, she was Global Brand Strategy Director at Netflix, working on representation and global brand equity. Prior to going in-house, Nazia founded Ricebowl Strategy, which developed award-winning global brand positioning platforms for…

Can you do good and still be successful? What is the true value of purpose? How are huge UK companies in the financial services sector currently struggling from a talent retention and recruitment perspective and what is the answer? After a bit of a break, TIE Unearthed is back, and today I’m speaking with the first person that hired me when I moved to London in 2001, Chris Norman. Chris is the Founder and CEO of GOOD Agency, a pioneer of brand Purpose and has worked for the last 28 years across the commercial, government and charity sectors helping them create value from the positive impact they have on the world. Chris was included in the 2019 Progress 1000 as one of the 25 most influential people in London in media and is a regular judge and panellist. Chris’s breadth of experience is with the largest commercial and charity brands, and today we talk about how behaviours are the essence of any company, what it means to be human, and what happens when a company isn’t authentic. We talk about GOOD being a…

What does it look like to build a company that not only outlives you, but also makes you feel good in the process? Can you make money and create a significantly positive impact on the planet at the same time? What is the return on being more human? Today I got to speak with Simon Rogerson, co-Founder and CEO of Octopus Group, a company that has invested $20 billion into many different companies in the last 23 years. He’s not only one of the sharpest and quickest minds I’ve had the pleasure to meet, but he’s also a really good guy. His mission is simple: to invest in the people, the ideas and the industries that will change the world. Today he brings how he does this to life. Simon explains why Octopus Group will never be publicly owned. He tells us the biggest lesson that he’s learned in 23 years of running Octopus. Let’s us in on the key interview question he asks to reveal who people really are. And we get to hear two stories that bring to life the main two aspects of Octopus’ culture that make it possible…

How is the law firm that took on the UK government with Article 50 and took on the Royal Family as Princess Diana’s divorce attorneys so successful? Is it because of their high-profile cases or is there another secret ingredient? I was keen to find out. So today, Elliot Moss, Partner and Chief Brand Officer at Mishcon, and Patrick Connolly, Director of the Mischon de Reya Academy, let us in on their secret. I wanted to understand what sets the law firm apart from their competitors. How do they attract and retain such incredible talent? And what makes them top of their class? We talk about the key progressive values of the company and why they are so important. We hear about the type of person that chooses to work there. And a few of their impressive initiatives that have become an important part of the company. Elliot and Patrick’s responses say a lot about the firm, and there is one thing that connects all of their answers: It’s their human centric strategy. Today we bring this to life. So throw on those…