Ever wondered why workplace conflict often persists despite numerous policies and rules? Maria Arpa, an expert in compassionate communication, shares how embracing heart-centred, human-focused dialogue can transform workplace relationships, enhance trust, and boost productivity. Discover how intentional use of compassion can revolutionise your leadership impact and help you curate a better, more effective workplace culture. This stuff ain't fluffy! It's the real deal.

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• Conflict Starts With "I Matter": Conflict arises when people feel undervalued. Compassionate communication focuses on recognising individual worth.
• Dialogue Beats Debate: Dialogue isn't about winning arguments but about understanding. Replacing debates with dialogues fosters genuine understanding.
• Hierarchies Can Be Harmful: Rigid power structures often exacerbate conflict. Compassionate leadership offers a more effective and humane alternative.
• Compassion Is Practical, Not Fluffy: Effective, compassionate communication involves robust boundaries and practical techniques that positively affect organisational performance.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Introduction: Tackling Workplace Conflict with Compassion 0:05:16 – From London's Streets to Corporate Suites: Maria’s Journey 0:09:29 – Why Do People Really Argue? Three Core Conflict Messages 0:14:05 – Is Compassionate Communication Too Soft for Business? 0:17:36 – Relationships and Trust: The Foundation of Productive Workplaces 0:27:40 – Dialogue vs Debate: Unpacking Maria’s Dialogue Road Map 0:34:07 – Why Companies Struggle with Compassionate Leadership 0:40:02 – The Holistic Approach: Blending Energy and Practical Communication 0:42:24 – Sticky Notes: Advice for Compassionate Communication 0:44:11 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Maria

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Is work becoming too much? Between the chaos of AI-generated content, the pressure of constant digital demands, and outdated workplace models, something’s got to give.

In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram speaks with Brent Kedzierski, workplace futurist and former Head of Global Learning Strategy at Shell, to explore how we can build more human-centred organisations in the age of AI. Brent introduces powerful concepts like work density and work intensity, exposing why today’s work environments leave so many people overwhelmed—and how we can fix that. He challenges legacy industrial thinking, highlights the generational misalignments at play, and makes the case for designing work that supports cognitive clarity, emotional fulfilment, and real human value.

If you're a leader grappling with AI overload, generational tensions, or rising burnout, this conversation offers both a wake-up call and a hopeful way forward.

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• Too Much Work, Not Enough Meaning - AI and outdated systems are overwhelming employees and draining purpose from work.
• Rethinking Work: Density vs. Intensity - True engagement requires both clarity in the work and emotional connection to it.
• Gen Z Wants Purpose, Not Just Promotion - Younger workers seek meaning and growth, not just a climb up the corporate ladder.
• Design With Humans, Not Just for Them - Organisations must shift from control to co-creation to build healthier, more fulfilling work.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Are We Making Work Too Intense? 0:03:48 – Meet Brent Kedzierski: From Steel Mills to Shell to Shaping the Future of Work 0:07:03 – A Crash Course in the Five Industrial Revolutions 0:13:32 – The AI Explosion: Autocatalytic Data and Algorithmic Drift 0:17:36 – Work Density and Intensity: Fixing the Chaos of Modern Work 0:22:45 – Generational Disconnect: Gen Z vs. Old-School Work Thinking 0:30:47 – The Four Human Truths of Meaningful Work 0:35:16 – Designing Work That Feeds the Brain, Not Just the Bottom Line 0:39:33 – Sticky Notes: Brent’s Top 3 Takeaways for Thriving in Industry 5.0 0:42:39 – Wrapping Up: What’s Next for Leaders and Organisations

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Anxiety, fear, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt—what Daniel Packard calls the "Funky 5"—hold back countless professionals every day. But what if these issues weren't just manageable, but solvable? Daniel, CEO of Full Liberation Technology and known as "The Internal Engineer," joins Andy Goram to share his revolutionary, body-based system that permanently resolves anxiety and fear by recalibrating the nervous system. Discover the innovative, data-backed approach that has already transformed lives and teams worldwide.

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• Anxiety and fear aren't just mental—they originate in a malfunctioning nervous system.
• The traditional "mind-based" approaches often only manage symptoms instead of solving the core issue.
• Small, consistent actions to care for the nervous system can permanently solve anxiety and related issues.
• True liberation from anxiety leads to profound improvements in professional performance, personal happiness, and overall well-being.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Why Traditional Approaches to Anxiety Fail 0:07:36 – Daniel Packard’s Journey: From Mechanical Engineer to Anxiety Innovator 0:15:57 – Solving Anxiety: The Engineering Approach 0:23:26 – The Power of Results-Focused Anxiety Solutions 0:30:13 – Mind vs. Body: Where Does Anxiety Truly Originate? 0:39:06 – Recalibrating the Nervous System for Permanent Anxiety Relief 0:45:48 – The Simple System for Lasting Anxiety Freedom 0:53:23 – Daniel Packard’s Three Powerful Sticky Notes

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Are traditional approaches to talent management holding your organisation back? Andy Goram is joined by Brice Jaggars, bestselling author of "Two Fish And The Tree," who challenges conventional thinking by arguing that aligning roles with people's natural strengths—rather than trying to fix their weaknesses—unlocks extraordinary performance. Brice shares why it's time to stop forcing fish to climb trees and how to practically create a workplace where people truly thrive.

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• Strengths, Not Weaknesses: Organisations should focus on amplifying people's natural strengths instead of trying to fix weaknesses.
• Role Alignment is Key: Poor performance often reflects misalignment between an individual's strengths and their job role, rather than incompetence.
• Reimagining Soft Skills: Traditional methods of changing ingrained soft skills rarely succeed—better results come from leveraging people's inherent traits.
• Impact on Engagement: Aligning roles to strengths significantly increases employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Introduction: Is Traditional Talent Management Failing? 0:04:23 – Meet Brice Jaggars: The Man Challenging Talent Management Norms 0:07:45 – Why Fixing Weaknesses Doesn't Work 0:12:35 – The Fish and Tree Analogy Explained 0:15:40 – Why Organisations Struggle with Soft Skills 0:19:35 – The Neuroscience of Behaviour Change 0:24:56 – Implementing a Strength-Based Role Alignment Framework 0:30:23 – Uncovering Hidden Talents in Your Team 0:36:07 – Transformational Impact of Strength-Based Roles 0:41:18 – Changing Your Organisation’s Approach to Performance Management 0:42:55 – Brice Jaggars' Three Sticky Notes for Talent Management

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

AI is everywhere in hiring, promising faster, smarter recruitment—but can technology alone fix your hiring headaches? Andy Goram chats with Joel Quintela, an HR tech innovator with a psychology background, who argues AI alone won't cure broken hiring practices. They discuss why great recruitment still hinges on leadership, culture, and human decision-making, and how companies can intelligently integrate AI without losing their human touch.

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• AI Isn't A Magic Fix: AI speeds up processes but amplifies existing problems if underlying hiring strategies are weak.
• Two Phases of Recruitment: Distinguish between 'screening out' (where AI excels) and 'selecting in' (which requires human nuance).
• Culture and Management Fit: AI struggles with evaluating nuanced cultural and managerial compatibility—critical factors for long-term success.
• Step-by-Step Implementation: Successful companies use AI incrementally, adjusting along the way rather than blindly adopting big solutions.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – AI is Everywhere, But is it Fixing Recruitment? 0:04:56 – Meet Joel Quintela: HR Tech Innovator with a Psychology Twist 0:10:53 – The Reality of Recruitment: Why it Feels Like Rolling Dice 0:14:47 – AI in Recruitment: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Common Misconceptions 0:21:09 – Human Nuance: Why AI Struggles with Culture and Management Fit 0:27:34 – Leadership's Role in Fixing Broken Hiring Practices 0:34:34 – What Forward-Thinking Companies Are Doing Differently with AI 0:41:41 – Joel Quintela’s Three Sticky Notes for Better Hiring with AI

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Can emotional intelligence (EI) at work become more performance than authentic practice? Dr. Robin Hills, expert psychologist and director of EI4Change, believes it can—and it's harming workplace culture. In this episode, we unpack the common myths surrounding emotional intelligence, exploring how EI, when genuinely understood and ethically applied, can transform workplace relationships, foster resilience, and build lasting trust.

Robin reveals how emotional intelligence has been misunderstood and even misused, discussing how true EI isn't simply about being "nice" but involves navigating discomfort, challenging conversations, and courageous accountability. We dive deep into how leaders can distinguish genuine EI from manipulation and provide practical ways to ensure emotional intelligence is applied authentically to drive positive organizational outcomes.

This episode is filled with actionable insights, and the conversation equips leaders with the knowledge to harness and use emotional intelligence authentically. Don’t miss it!

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• Beyond Performative EI: Genuine emotional intelligence involves consistent practice, reflection, and authentic behavioral change.
• The Manipulation Trap: EI must be applied ethically; misusing emotional insights for manipulation erodes trust.
• Embracing Healthy Discomfort: True growth occurs when leaders balance empathy with accountability, facing into tough conversations.
• Redefining Emotions: Emotions aren't inherently good or bad—they provide valuable data, and how leaders respond determines their impact.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – The Real Truth About Emotional Intelligence 0:04:08 – Who is Dr. Robin Hills? 0:07:07 – Debunking EI Myths: Why Being Nice Isn't Enough 0:09:11 – Understanding Neuroscience and Emotional Intelligence 0:10:28 – Why Labeling Emotions as 'Positive' or 'Negative' Misses the Point 0:14:15 – Have We Made Work Too Comfortable? 0:22:03 – Has Emotional Intelligence Become Performative at Work? 0:28:07 – Manipulation: The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence 0:32:03 – Bully or Tough Boss? Understanding the EI Difference 0:37:29 – Taking Control: Resilience Through Emotional Intelligence 0:43:02 - Sticky Notes – Three takeaways for using emotional intelligence authentically

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

The hospitality industry is facing a leadership crisis. With middle managers leaving, generational shifts, and skill gaps widening, how do we develop future leaders? In this episode, hospitality expert Michelle Pascoe joins Andy to discuss how businesses can turn "just a job" into a fulfilling career path. They explore the impact of generational differences, leadership development, and the power of storytelling in engaging and retaining top talent.

Whether you’re in hospitality or any other industry, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, career growth, and the importance of human connection. Don’t miss this conversation that challenges outdated mindsets and offers practical solutions for building a thriving workforce.

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• Leadership Development Must Start Earlier – The hospitality industry needs to stop treating management as an afterthought. Embedding leadership training from the outset can build stronger career paths..
• Generational Differences Can Work in Our Favour – Instead of resisting change, businesses must bridge the generational gap by combining wisdom from seasoned leaders with fresh perspectives from younger employees.
• Hospitality Isn’t Just a Job—It’s a Career – The industry has long been seen as a temporary stepping stone. Shifting the narrative towards growth, opportunity, and fulfillment can make it a destination, not a detour.
• Connection is the Heart of Hospitality – Technology and AI may enhance efficiency, but the human touch remains irreplaceable. Leaders must foster genuine engagement and storytelling to keep teams inspired.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – The Leadership Crisis in Hospitality 0:04:37 – Michelle’s Background: From a Turkey Farm to Hospitality Leadership 0:06:56 – The Leadership Crisis: Losing Middle Management Post-COVID 0:09:36 – The Consequences of Losing Middle Management 0:12:39 – Why Hospitality’s Reputation Is Holding It Back 0:18:30 – Generational Gaps and Leadership Differences 0:31:34 – Building Leadership Pipelines: Why It Needs to Start Earlier 0:37:37 – Why Human Connection Is Still the Heart of Hospitality 0:44:09 – Michelle’s Sticky Notes: Three Leadership Tips for Hospitality 0:37:37 – Michelle’s Sticky Notes: Three Leadership Tips for Hospitality

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Get the full transcript of the episode here

Can workplace culture be measured as rigorously as financial performance? Christy Pretzinger, founder of WG Content and author of The Cultural Balance Sheet, says yes! In this episode, we explore how her framework applies financial principles—assets, liabilities, and equity—to workplace culture.

Christy shares how leaders can assess, manage, and optimize their culture with the same intent and precision as a balance sheet. We also dive into why kindness is not weakness, how values should guide decisions, and why measuring culture is critical to business success.

We explore: How liabilities in workplace culture can be transformed into assets The role of leadership in shaping cultural equity Why engagement isn’t just agreement—it’s about people who care The hidden costs of employee turnover (and how to reduce them)

This conversation is packed with insights to help leaders create thriving, high-performing workplaces. Don't miss it!

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• Culture is measurable, just like finances. Christy applies financial principles to workplace culture, proving that culture isn't just a “soft” concept but something that can be managed with intent and discipline.
• Kindness is not weakness—it's a leadership strength. Kindness doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations. It's about clarity, boundaries, and setting people up for success.
• Turnover has hidden costs—invest in culture to reduce it. Losing employees means losing knowledge, relationships, and productivity. A strong, people-focused culture can minimise that and improve performance.
• Leaders shape culture through everyday actions. Culture is shaped daily through leadership behaviour, communication, and decision-making. Leaders must be intentional in the pursuit of the culture they need.

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The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Welcome to Sticky From The Inside 0:03:36 – Can Culture Be Measured Like a Balance Sheet? 0:06:33 – Why Kindness Is a Business Superpower 0:10:39 – The Epiphany Behind the Cultural Balance Sheet 0:14:36 – Cultural Assets: The Foundation of a Thriving Business 0:18:56 – Cultural Liabilities: What’s Holding Your Business Back? 0:27:27 – What Is Cultural Equity and Why Does It Matter? 0:31:08 – How to Measure and Manage Culture Effectively 0:39:37 – The Leadership Role in Shaping Workplace Culture 0:42:37 – Three Sticky Notes for Building a Stronger Culture

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Get the full transcript of the episode here