Episodios

  • Zach Mercurio on the Power of Mattering: How to Make People Feel Seen, Valued & Needed (Part One)

    Zach Mercurio on the Power of Mattering: How to Make People Feel Seen, Valued & Needed (Part One)
    Apr 29 2025
    Richard Walker sits down with Zach Mercurio, a leading expert on the concept of "mattering," to explore how feeling valued and significant impacts motivation, performance, and well-being in the workplace. Zach shares his personal journey from a disengaged employee in the advertising world to a researcher dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate a sense of purpose and connection. The conversation delves into the critical difference between having a job that matters and experiencing mattering in your job, highlighting how small, meaningful interactions—not promotions or paychecks—truly make people feel seen and valued. Richard and Zach also tackle the challenges of modern work environments, from the pitfalls of hybrid work and digital communication to the alarming trends of loneliness and disengagement. They discuss the urgent need to reskill leaders in relational competencies and the role of empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection in fostering high-performing teams. Tune in for an insightful and timely discussion that will challenge how you think about work, leadership, and the future of human connection in an increasingly automated world.
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    28 m
  • Graham Allcott and The Quiet Power of Kindness (Part Two)

    Graham Allcott and The Quiet Power of Kindness (Part Two)
    Mar 24 2025
    In Part 2, Richard Walker and Graham Allcott dive deeper into the profound impact of kindness on workplace performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Graham, author of Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, explores the neuroscience behind kindness, revealing how acts of compassion release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, benefiting not only the giver and receiver but also those who witness these acts. The discussion highlights the "Mother Teresa Effect," where witnessing kindness boosts immune systems and inspires others to pay it forward. Graham shares powerful examples, including a story about a single kidney donation that sparked a chain reaction of 29 additional donations, illustrating how kindness creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial act. Richard and Graham also tackle the barriers to kindness, particularly the fear of misinterpretation, and how cultural differences, especially in the UK, can amplify this hesitation. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and seizing those fleeting moments to act kindly, whether in a meeting or on public transport. The conversation shifts to the concept of abundance versus scarcity mentality, with Graham arguing that choosing kindness fosters a culture of trust and psychological safety, essential for high-performing teams. Richard shares a personal story about a serendipitous act of kindness that led to an unexpected reward, reinforcing the idea that living with an abundance mindset can lead to positive outcomes. Finally, Graham offers practical advice for listeners looking to cultivate more kindness in their lives, emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and slowing down to be more present. He outlines actionable steps from his book, encouraging everyone to embrace kindness as a daily practice. Tune in to discover how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, transforming not only your workplace but also your life. Whether you're a leader, team member, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you harness the quiet power of kindness.
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    21 m
  • Graham Allcott and The Quiet Power of Kindness (Part One)

    Graham Allcott and The Quiet Power of Kindness (Part One)
    Mar 17 2025
    Richard sits down with Graham Allcott, a renowned thought-leader, entrepreneur, and author of the book Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work. Graham shares his journey from working in charities to founding Think Productive, a business focused on productivity and organization, and how his experiences led him to explore the transformative power of kindness in the workplace. The conversation delves into the often-overlooked role of kindness as a strategic advantage in business. Graham challenges the traditional archetype of the "business bastard" and argues that kindness fosters trust, empathy, and psychological safety—key ingredients for high-performing teams. He also addresses common misconceptions about kindness being "soft" or "ineffective," providing compelling evidence and practical strategies to cultivate a kinder, more productive work environment. Listeners will gain insights into how kindness can improve company culture, boost employee retention, and drive engagement. Graham shares inspiring examples, including the UK-based company Timpson, which has built a thriving business by embedding kindness into its core values. The episode also touches on the importance of humility, empathy, and the role of ego in leadership. Whether you're a business leader, team member, or simply someone interested in creating a more positive workplace, this episode offers valuable lessons on how kindness can be a powerful tool for success. Tune in to discover how small acts of kindness can lead to big changes in your organization and beyond.
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    34 m
  • Leadership Unfiltered: Barry Conchie on the Traits That Truly Matter (Part Two)

    Leadership Unfiltered: Barry Conchie on the Traits That Truly Matter (Part Two)
    Feb 18 2025
    In Part Two of this episode, Richard continues his conversation with Barry Conchie, founder of Conchie Associates and renowned leadership expert. Barry shares profound insights on leadership, including the myths surrounding introverts versus extroverts, the importance of intentionality in focusing on top performers, and how self-awareness shapes exceptional leadership. The discussion also touches on the pivotal role of mentors, the impact of recognizing untapped potential, and the art of guiding individuals toward their true "U-shaped hole"—the roles that align perfectly with their unique talents and strengths. Barry reflects on the profound influence of key figures in his own life and offers listeners inspiring advice on finding fulfillment both personally and professionally. This episode concludes with powerful takeaways on creating meaningful impact and pursuing a career that brings joy and purpose. Don’t miss the final part of this insightful and honest dialogue!
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    34 m
  • Leadership Unfiltered: Barry Conchie on the Traits That Truly Matter (Part One)

    Leadership Unfiltered: Barry Conchie on the Traits That Truly Matter (Part One)
    Feb 11 2025
    Richard sits down with Barry Conchie, founder of Conchie Associates and renowned leadership expert. Barry, a former Gallup leader and co-author of the bestseller Strengths-Based Leadership, dives deep into his career journey, his fascination with human performance, and the startling research behind his latest book, The Five Talents That Really Matter. Together, Richard and Barry explore the critical differences between leadership and management, why 80% of managers aren't fit for their roles, and the traits that set exceptional leaders apart. Barry candidly reflects on his own challenges as a manager and his evolution into a leadership expert. This conversation is both insightful and refreshingly honest, offering actionable takeaways for leaders, aspiring managers, and anyone passionate about organizational excellence.
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    26 m
  • Decoding Human Behavior: From Village Insights to Digital Footprints with Sandra Matz (Part Two)

    Decoding Human Behavior: From Village Insights to Digital Footprints with Sandra Matz (Part Two)
    Dec 30 2024
    In this thought-provoking continuation of this episode, Richard and Sandra Matz delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition, leadership development, and interpersonal dynamics in the corporate world. Richard shares insights about his company's innovative Emerging Talent Program, which uses AI-driven tools to evaluate candidates based on their natural problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills rather than traditional credentials. This approach aims to provide opportunities for talented individuals who may not have followed conventional educational paths. The conversation touches on the Peter Principle, which suggests that people are often promoted to their level of incompetence, highlighting the critical need for leadership training programs, especially for technical professionals transitioning into management roles. Both Richsard and Sandra emphasize the paramount importance of interpersonal skills, political awareness, and effective information sharing for success in leadership positions, noting that these soft skills often determine career advancement more than technical expertise. The episode concludes with a discussion on the complexity of knowing how to share the right information with the right people at the right time and in the right way, underscoring the multifaceted nature of effective leadership in today's corporate environment.
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    20 m
  • Decoding Human Behavior: From Village Insights to Digital Footprints with Sandra Matz (Part One)

    Decoding Human Behavior: From Village Insights to Digital Footprints with Sandra Matz (Part One)
    Dec 23 2024
    Sandra Matz, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of "Mindmasters," discusses the concept of psychological targeting with Richard. Sandra explains how modern technology allows for the analysis of digital footprints to predict and potentially influence human behavior, drawing parallels to her experiences growing up in a small German village. The discussion touches on the ethical implications of such targeting, the importance of soft skills in leadership roles, and the challenges of transitioning from technical to managerial positions. Richard shares his company's innovative approach to talent acquisition, which focuses on evaluating candidates' natural problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills rather than traditional credentials. Both Sandra and Richard emphasize the significance of effective communication, teamwork, and understanding human dynamics in achieving success in both personal and professional contexts.
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    36 m
  • Unlocking Credit: Mercedes Bidart's Fintech Revolution (Part Two)

    Unlocking Credit: Mercedes Bidart's Fintech Revolution (Part Two)
    Nov 19 2024
    Richard continues his insightful conversation with Mercedes Bidart, co-founder and CEO of Quipu Bank. Mercedes delves deeper into the growth and evolution of her innovative fintech platform, which provides loans to small businesses in the informal economy. She shares how Quipu scaled from its initial success, leveraging AI and machine learning to refine their credit assessment models. Mercedes discusses the challenges of balancing technology with social impact, and reveals Quipu's future plans to expand globally by offering their technology to other financial institutions. The conversation also touches on valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of commitment to solving real problems and resilience in the face of uncertainty. This episode offers listeners a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, finance, and social entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
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    25 m
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