Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://shorturl.at/Y1ySB

Why do toxic workplaces thrive, and how can leaders turn them around?

In this HR L&D Podcast episode, we’re sitting down with Dr Mary-Clare Race, a workplace psychologist and leadership expert, to uncover the psychology of toxic cultures and the strategies that transform them into thriving, inclusive environments.

From her PhD research to leading DE&I initiatives for companies like Barclays, GSK, and Unilever, Dr Race explains why harmful behaviors persist, how to rebuild belonging, and why empathy, resilience, and self-awareness are the hallmarks of great leadership.

She shares practical ways to hold leaders accountable, strengthen workplace connection, and use AI as a tool to support human-centered coaching.

Whether you’re in HR or lead a team, this conversation delivers actionable insights for creating healthier, more productive workplaces.

Dr Mary-Clare Race’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mary-clare-race-b59a602/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

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(00:00) Why Human Resources Matter Most

(01:46) Introducing Dr Mary-Clare Race

(04:00) The Psychology of Workplace Toxicity

(06:06) The “Toxic Triangle” Explained

(07:48) Turning Toxic Cultures Into Thriving Ones

(10:40) Why DE&I Slips During Economic Pressure

(13:16) The Backlash Against DE&I

(15:12) Building Belonging Through Human Connection

(16:45) Remote Work’s Impact on Toxicity

(18:27) The Connection Crisis at Work

(22:19) Do Playground Bullies Become Business Leaders?

(26:25) How Early Experiences Shape Leadership Styles

(28:56) Empathy, Resilience & Self-Awareness in Leadership

(31:46) Micro-Coaching Moments for Busy Leaders

(33:30) Leading Multi-Generational Workforces

(36:42) Supporting Caregivers and Working Parents

(39:26) AI in Coaching and Leadership Development

(43:45) Final Advice for HR Leaders

Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_en

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with executive coach and author Michael Wenderoth to explore what it really takes to get promoted in today’s corporate world.

Michael is the author of the bestselling book Get Promoted and host of the 97% Effective podcast. He shares actionable strategies for advancing your career without compromising your values.

From navigating power dynamics and office politics to building influence and mapping organizational power, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and ambitious professionals who feel stuck despite doing great work.

If you’ve ever wondered why top performers don’t always rise and what you can do to change that, this episode is for you.

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

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(00:00) How Power, Politics & Influence Drive Promotions

(03:19) Why HR Needs More Power Inside Organizations

(05:40) The Story of “Matt” & Why Top Talent Gets Ousted

(11:32) Redefining Power as a Neutral Force

(15:44) Using “The Rock, The Map, The Snowball” to Get Unstuck

(21:00) What Power Maps Reveal That Org Charts Don’t

(25:12) How Oversharing & Being “Too Authentic” Can Backfire

(34:32) How HR Can Shift Culture Without Creating Toxicity

(38:21) The Real Reason People Leave Their Jobs

(41:56) Rethinking Leadership in a Hybrid & AI-Driven Future

(46:45) Why Michael Named His Podcast “97% Effective”

(49:58) Bold Advice for HR Leaders, Promotions & Game of Thrones

Ready to transform your HR operations?

Download Deel’s free AI-powered HR guide and discover how to streamline processes, stay compliant, and scale globally with ease: https://www.deel.com/resources/ai-in-hr-global-organizations/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_hrnewsletter-theroleofai-jun25_platfpod_all&utm_content=engage_platfpod_sponnewsletter_theroleofai-dedicated-hr_en

What does it really take for an HR leader to make the leap to the boardroom?

In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Andrea Wareham, former Chief People Officer at Pret A Manger and now a Non-Executive Director (NED) across multiple organizations. With 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy at one of the UK’s most iconic brands, Andrea breaks down the real blueprint for HR leaders who want to operate at the highest level of business.

Whether you're an aspiring CHRO or already operating at senior level, this episode will give you the tools to expand your impact, build influence, and shape the future of business from the top down.

Listen now and unlock your path to board-level leadership.

Andrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawareham/

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea

Sign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

(00:00) Preview

(01:28) Introducing Andrea Wareham

(05:39) Why HR Leaders Belong in the Boardroom

(10:37) Managing Pressure and Building Trust at Executive Level

(13:54) Becoming a Public-Facing People Leader

(15:09) Pret’s People-First Philosophy

(18:23) The People Lens Boards Are Missing

(21:34) What It Really Takes to Become a Non-Executive Director

(25:03) How to Add Value as an NED

(31:07) Why NED Roles Are So Rewarding

(35:23) How HR Leaders Can Start Building Board Influence

(38:40) Driving Board Diversity Through HR Perspective

(41:12) Top Tips for Aspiring NEDs

(46:29) Advice for Future HR Leaders