Edgy Ideas

Show Notes: Simon Western is joined by Yoko Kunii Aldous - lecturer, coach, hypnotherapist and cultural translator - to explore the deeper roots of this Japanese concept, revealing it to be less a “life purpose formula” and more a way of being-in-the-world.  Yoko reflects on her journey from Japan to the UK and how living between languages and cultures opens up inner landscapes. She shares the real history of Ikigai - not as a productivity hack, but a pre-capitalist way of locating oneself in community and cosmos - and interrogates why the popular Western Venn diagram (“what you love, what you’re good at…”) oversimplifies and erases its cultural nuance. Drawing on Japanese concepts, Yoko frames language as a worldview where nature, spirit, and objects are integral to self-understanding. She speaks of spirituality in everyday life - from cherry blossoms to chopsticks - and explains why Ikigai should be seen as fluid, shifting across life stages and relationships, rather than as a fixed endpoint. The conversation explores the tension between individualism and collective responsibility, asking whether one can truly have Ikigai without caring for the village. From embracing imperfection through wabi-sabi, to recognising sacrifice and service as pathways to fulfilment, the episode challenges Western coaching to move beyond self-improvement toward a more relational, ecological, and culturally entangled way of living. Key Reflections: True Ikigai cannot be pinned down or defined - it must be lived Culture shapes not only what we think, but how we feel our way into meaning Japanese aesthetics embrace imperfection (wabi-sabi) as essential to beauty and purpose Spirituality in Japan is woven into the everyday - from teacups to trees Personal meaning and collective wellbeing are not separate projects Every item has a spirit Keywords: Ikigai, cultural insights, coaching, psychology, Japan, Western perspectives, personal development, spirituality, Venn diagram   Brief Bio: Yoko Kunii Aldous is an award-winning university lecturer, coach, and language and culture trainer for the Ministry of Defence. She holds an MA in Applied Linguistics and an MSc in Coaching Psychology, and is a certified coach, hypnotherapist, and yoga instructor. Her background in language and communication informs her work in higher education, cross-cultural training, and personal development coaching. Her latest research explores how the Japanese concept of Ikigai is understood and applied by non-Japanese coaches. Her study critically examines how Ikigai is interpreted and integrated into coaching practices outside Japan, revealing common misconceptions and promoting a more culturally authentic understanding. This work was recognised with the Best Early Career Research Paper award by BPS Division of Coaching Psychology. By integrating Eastern philosophy with Western psychological theory, Yoko offers a coaching approach that is reflective, holistic, and grounded in cultural nuance. She supports individuals and professionals in aligning their core values with purposeful action, towards meaningful and sustainable change.

Show Notes In this episode, Simon Western is joined by Daniel B. Frank and Caro Bainbridge to explore how our connection to place shapes who we are, how we relate to others, and how we make sense of the world. They share stories of growing up in Chicago and Liverpool, revealing how personal and collective histories are held within the places we call home. The conversation moves between the intimate and the systemic. Dan and Caro reflect on how certain streets evoke safety or sorrow, how schools have taken on roles far beyond education, and how cultural roots are both grounding and restrictive. They examine the emotional weight of returning to one’s childhood city, and the strangeness that can accompany that return. With digital life pulling people away from physical presence and history, the episode raises timely questions about what it means to belong - and how identity is shaped in an era of mobility, forgetting, and cultural fragmentation. Key Reflections A sense of place gives structure to identity and meaning to memory.  Emotional ties to place can be nurturing or suffocating—or both at once.  The same place is experienced differently depending on one’s history, role, and identity.  The legacy of slavery and colonialism shapes how some communities relate to home. Being physically present in a place doesn't always mean belonging to it.  Schools are now expected to hold emotional, moral, and community roles once carried by families. Digital technology creates new forms of disconnection, despite increased connectivity. Living well includes being present - to place, to people, and to time. Keywords sense of place, identity, displacement, cultural connections, history, emotional well-being, modernity, community, education, technology Brief Bios Daniel B. Frank, Ph.D. is a graduate of Francis W. Parker School in Chicago where he has been has been its Principal for over 20 years and has been a senior administrator there since 1988.  He is the founding Executive Editor of the international education journal Schools: Studies in Education, which is published by the University of Chicago Press, and has served as Executive Director of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organizations. Caro Bainbridge works at the intersection of psychoanalysis, culture and organisational life. She is an organisational consultant, leadership development expert and executive coach, known for bringing depth insight to complex systems and supporting individuals and teams as they navigate change, uncertainty and transformation. Her practice is grounded in a long academic career: she is Emeritus Professor of Psychoanalysis & Culture, a former editor of Free Associations and of the film section of the International Journal of Psychoanalysis, and co-editor of Routledge’s Psychoanalysis and Popular Culture book series. Caro is a Fellow of the RSA and a Founding Scholar of the British Psychoanalytic Council. She is widely published in the academic context, and has recently launched The Culture Fix on Substack, where she explores the emotional and symbolic currents shaping contemporary life. Her work is animated by a belief in the generative potential of thresholds and transitions - a perspective shaped, in part, by her daily walks near Antony Gormley’s Another Place, where art, nature and thought meet at the water’s edge.

Show Notes In this episode of Edgy Ideas, Simon Western is joined by Fr. David McCallum, a Jesuit priest and Executive Director of the Program for Discerning Leadership. Together, they explore the unique leadership style of Pope Francis and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church - and humanity at large. The conversation unfolds around the radical shift Pope Francis has led, prioritizing humility, listening, and symbolic action over institutional command. Fr. David shares moving anecdotes from his encounters with the Pope, offering insight into how leadership rooted in deep presence and discernment can inspire systemic change. They reflect on synodality as a leadership practice - a process rooted in dialogue, participation, and inclusion - and the ways it reorients traditional hierarchies toward relational and collective discernment. They discuss how change often emerges from the margins rather than the center, and how Pope Francis embraced paradox and complexity rather than rushing to resolve it. In a world increasingly polarized, this leadership invites us to see difference as generative and to engage across divides with empathy and courage. Looking ahead, the conversation calls on leaders across sectors to let go of rigid structures and embrace more inclusive, compassionate and participatory ways of leading. Through stories, reflection, and critical insight, this episode challenges the dominant narratives of leadership and offers a deeply human alternative. Key Reflections Leadership is a relational and spiritual practice, not a role tied to status or control. Navigating polarity and difference is essential in an increasingly divided world. The Church’s transformation under Pope Francis offers broader insights into how leaders can hold space for complexity. Leadership rooted in presence, encounter, and discernment can offer healing and direction in times of global uncertainty. Every meaningful interaction has the potential to be a transformative leadership act. Keywords Pope Francis, Jesuit leadership, synodality, listening, symbolic action, humility, Catholic Church, polarity, discernment, relational leadership, spiritual leadership, inclusion, soul at work Brief Bio Fr. David McCallum, S.J., Ed.D, is a Jesuit priest from the USA who serves as the founding Executive Director of the Program for Discerning Leadership, a special initiative of the Society of Jesus headquartered in Rome. The Program provides leadership formation and organizational development support for senior Vatican officials and major superiors of religious orders headquartered in Rome and internationally. From 2021-2024, Fr. McCallum has worked with the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops on the Commission on Methodology, as a member of the international group that developed the synthesis of the National and Regional Bishop’s Conferences reports at Frascati, and as a facilitator expert at the Synods in October 2023 and 2024. Formerly, Fr. McCallum served as faculty member and then the Dean of the Madden School of Business and as the VP of Mission Integration and Development at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. His doctoral research at Teachers College, Columbia University, focused on the implications of developmental diversity in meeting the leadership challenges of conflict, complexity, and ambiguity.

Show Notes In this episode, Simon Western speaks with Lebanese scholar and activist Karim Safieddine. Together, they discuss the vibrant and volatile political landscape of Lebanon, exploring how social movements, intellectual traditions, and grassroots activism collide and coalesce in the streets of Beirut. Karim shares his personal story of growing up amidst conflict, complexity, and contradiction, offering a lens into how identity is formed in a fractured society and how hope emerges through resistance. They explore themes of secularism, anti-establishment politics, and the evolving role of intellectuals in social change. The conversation touches deeply on what it means to live a good life and how ordinary people - through organising, dissent, and imagination - shape the possibility of a good civile society. Key Reflections · Elites often suppress transformative movements; activism persists through localised, organic mobilisation. · Intellectuals must step beyond theory and engage meaningfully with activist work. · A good life is not about material excess but about meaningful relationships, creativity, and communal survival. · Resistance is necessary for vitality; dissent keeps societies alive and evolving. · Bridging academia and activism is essential for sustainable change. · Empowering local voices and grassroots movements is crucial to Lebanon’s future. Keywords social movements, political sociology, secularism, identity, intellectuals, activism, anti-establishment, cosmopolitanism   Brief Bio Karim Safieddine is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh whose work explores the intersection of social movements, intellectual history, and political power in Lebanon. With a particular focus on the Lebanese Left, Karim investigates how oppositional movements both contest and reproduce dominant ideological frameworks and structures of authority from the late 20th century to the present. Rooted in a Gramscian tradition yet open to diverse theoretical tools, his research engages with questions of leadership, resistance, and hegemony. His work bridges political sociology and historical analysis, offering critical insights into how movements emerge, evolve, and navigate Lebanon's sectarian and neoliberal political terrain. Karim holds an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics (2020) and a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut (2019). His academic interests include political and historical sociology, social movements, and the role of intellectuals in shaping public discourse.

Show Notes In this compelling and deeply human episode, Simon speaks with Daria (Dasha) Kuznetsova, a Ukrainian humanitarian professional working amidst the war in Ukraine. Daria brings a grounded yet emotionally resonant perspective on what it means to live in a war zone - not just physically, but psychologically and spiritually. She discusses how individuals and communities survive amidst collapse, and what it takes to begin imagining a future beyond trauma. Simon and Daria discuss themes of self-awareness, trauma recovery, and the embodied experience of conflict. Daria shares how the first years of war were marked by survival, scarcity of time, and emotional suppression, and how she has come to understand the necessity of listening to the body, building emotional resilience, and holding space for others. The conversation moves from personal coping mechanisms to wider systemic reflections - offering a rare insight into how community support and relational containment become lifelines in the face of collective breakdown. This episode invites us to consider how diversity, freedom, and emotional truth-telling are vital elements in rebuilding not just Ukraine, but any society fractured by violence or division. This episode will speak to leaders, coaches, and listeners who are drawn to the depths of human experience, particularly when systems are under strain. It also speaks to the power of Eco-Leadership, where relationality, resilience, and emotional intelligence create the conditions for regenerative futures. Key Reflections War reshapes both the physical environment and the emotional lives of those affected. Developing self-awareness is essential for navigating the psychological strain of conflict. Small, everyday actions can provide stability and a sense of control in times of crisis. The body often holds trauma that the mind cannot yet process or articulate. Strong community connections are vital for emotional and practical survival during war. Rebuilding society requires a foundation of safety, freedom of expression, and inclusion. Honest conversations about pain and recovery are the first steps toward collective healing. Keywords humanitarian aid, war experiences, emotional resilience, community support, trauma recovery, self-awareness, coping mechanisms, rebuilding society, relational depth, Eco-Leadership Brief Bio Daria Kuznetsova is a humanitarian and recovery professional with over a decade of experience leading multisectoral and multipartner portfolios in Ukraine. Her work spans international humanitarian principles, large-scale project management, and strategic partnership development, guided by results-driven leadership approaches. Following the full-scale invasion, Daria played a key role in scaling up humanitarian efforts, managing projects funded by the EU, FCDO, USAID, SDC, BMZ, and other major donors. She currently expands her expertise into the areas of Partnership and Localization, overseeing a portfolio of more than 100 partnerships. Her current focus is on strategic development, mentoring, and fostering impactful, sustainable change within organizations and communities.

Show Notes In this conversation, Chris Yates and Simon Western discuss how organizations have become modern temples of power, shaping societal norms in positive and challenging ways. Organizations offer spaces to be productive, to deliver services and to provide meaning and development for individuals, yet they also can stifle individuality and feedback through corporate conformity. The podcast reflects on how art, small acts of kindness and ecosystems thinking are the leadership approaches that can transform organisations and liberate employees to engage relationally and realise their full potential. Chris questions traditional leadership models, highlighting the need to prioritize character over competence and move beyond the military-influenced structures that dominate corporate life. Leadership, they argue, is not about static positions but fluid relationships—emerging in unexpected places and shaped by small moments of humanity rather than grand, ego-driven achievements. The conversation also highlights the burden of projections on leaders, who risk becoming seduced by the images others place upon them. Looking ahead, Simon and Chris consider the future of leadership in a world that increasingly demands authenticity and interconnectedness. They call for a shift to eco-centric leadership,  one that embraces moral responsibility, acknowledges the social role of organizations, and also seeks inspiration from art to reimagine work and leadership. Chris closes by reminding us that the smallest acts of kindness and courage in the face of adversity can reshape leadership, organizations, and society itself. Key Reflections Organizations hold immense power as modern temples, shaping societal norms and driving change. Corporate cultures often enforce conformity, stifling individuality, feedback, and personal identity. Leadership discussions focus too much on competence and too little on the moral character of leaders. Leadership is not a fixed title but a fluid, relational process that can emerge from unexpected places. Leaders must resist being seduced by the projections and expectations placed upon them. The future of leadership requires shifting from ego-driven ambition to collective, eco-centric responsibility. True leadership is found not in grand gestures but in small, everyday acts of humanity. Creativity and art offers a powerful lens to rethink work, leadership, and our role in the world. Keywords corporate culture, society, leadership, power dynamics, identity, character, reimagination, eco-leadership Brief Bio Christopher Yates, Senior Vice President of Talent at Equinix, is a leader committed to professional and personal growth within organizations. He oversees Equinix’s global talent strategy, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent while aligning leadership initiatives with the company’s growth and innovation objectives.  Previously Chris held senior OD positions in Microsoft, Ford, American Express, Caterpillar and HSBC bank, playing a vital role in shaping business transformation.  Chris is co-author with Pooja Sachdev of Rewire: A Radical Approach to Tackling Diversity and Difference and has also co-authored Share: How Organizations Can Thrive in an Age of Networked Knowledge, Power and Relationships. Chris brings a huge breadth of experience to organisational thinking, and is admired for his empathy, dynamism and original and imaginative leadership. 

Show Notes In this episode Bernice Hewson and Simon Western challenge the conventional coaching paradigm, exposing its tendency to operate in a decontextualized bubble—detached from the social, political, and historical forces shaping our identities. Bernice brings personal insights from her own journey toward racial consciousness, unpacking the ways coaching often fails to engage with racial trauma, frequently misdiagnosing it as imposter syndrome. Together, they explore the complexities of addressing racial identities in work and coaching,  where labels and names carry power—how they define, constrain, and sometimes liberate. This isn’t about surface-level diversity work; it’s about questioning the structures within which coaching exists. They explore the profound discomfort required to build true racial literacy, the impact of institutional whiteness in coaching spaces, and the need for collaboration to ignite meaningful change. Coaching, Bernice argues, must move beyond individual self-improvement and cultivate a critical awareness—one that challenges dominant narratives and creates space for authentic shifts in practice. The episode closes with a call to action: to embrace the edges, hold space for the difficult conversations, and commit to coaching as a radical, relational, and socially conscious practice. Key Reflections Racial identity is more than just personal identity; it's a power dynamic. Understanding one's racial identity is crucial for effective coaching. Coaching often operates in a decontextualized bubble. Racial trauma is often misdiagnosed as imposter syndrome. Coaching can be part of the solution to systemic issues.  Emotional resilience is key to holding difficult conversations. Institutional whiteness affects coaching practices. Using personal experiences as data can inform coaching. Language around DEI is evolving and requires confidence. Change in coaching requires collaboration and critical consciousness. Keywords racial consciousness, identity, coaching,  decolonization, belonging, racial equity, personal journey Brief Bio Bernice Hewson, founder of Raising Racial Consciousness, is dedicated to challenging conventional thinking to build a racially equitable society. An accredited coach (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) and emotional intelligence practitioner, she holds a Psychosocial MA in ‘Race,’ Empire, and Post-coloniality. With over 15 years in corporate leadership, Bernice understands the complexities leaders face in driving meaningful diversity and inclusion strategies. She emphasizes that lasting change begins with individuals and that racially conscious leadership is essential for progress. Bernice equips leaders and coaches with the knowledge, language, and confidence to engage in critical diversity conversations. Through safe spaces for learning and reflection, she empowers professionals to develop race-consciousness as a core competency, fostering inclusion and equity in workplaces and beyond.

Show Notes Prof. Manfred Kets de Vries, is a global thought leader, who is best known for applying psychoanalytic thinking to the challenges of leaders and organisations.   He discusses his journey from psychoanalysis to leadership development, the societal forces that shape leaders, and the critical role of emotional awareness in navigating today’s volatile landscapes.  Kets de Vries exposes the hidden psychological currents that drive leadership—how unconscious patterns, unresolved trauma, and deep-seated insecurities manifest in boardrooms and political arenas alike. He explores the destructive nature of narcissistic leadership, the rising stress and impatience among CEOs, and the ways in which cultural expectations mold our leaders for better or worse.  Manfred and Simon discuss toxic leadership today, and then focus on what can be done. Manfred shares his experience that ultimately leadership is about relationships—about the capacity for self-awareness, reflection, and genuine connection. In a world where political fault lines deepen, Manfred challenges us not just to analyze leadership from a distance but to engage with it personally—to recognize our own role in shaping the leadership cultures around us. Because leadership isn’t just about those at the top; it’s about how we choose to show up in our own lives, our communities, and our organizations. Key Reflections Toxic leadership can have devastating effects on organizations and society. Psychoanalysis provides valuable insights into leadership dynamics. Leaders are shaped by societal expectations and cultural contexts. Narcissism in leadership can lead to destructive outcomes. The current political climate reflects deeper societal issues. Stress and impatience are prevalent among CEOs today. Leadership is relational  Creating a good life involves cultivating and appreciating happy moments. Everyone has the potential to make a difference in society. Keywords leadership, toxic leadership, narcissism, psychoanalysis, organizational change, political leadership, societal impact, emotional intelligence, executive coaching, personal development Brief Bio Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organisational Change and the Raoul de Vitry d'Avaucourt Chaired Professor of Leadership Development, Emeritus, at INSEAD. He integrates economics, management, and psychoanalysis to explore leadership, executive stress, career dynamics, entrepreneurship, and corporate transformation. He founded the INSEAD Global Leadership Centre and directs The Challenge of Leadership Executive Education program. He has held professorships at McGill University, HEC Montréal, and Harvard Business School. A prolific scholar, he has authored 49 books and over 400 academic papers, with works translated into 31 languages. His latest book, Narcissistic Leadership, delves into the complex interplay between narcissism and leadership, offering profound insights into its impact on organizations and society. Among many other awards, he  received the INSEAD Distinguished Teacher Award five times and was recognized as one of the world’s top 50 management thinkers by Financial Times, Le Capital, Wirtschaftswoche, and The Economist. As a consultant, he has advised leading organizations across the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia on organizational transformation and strategic human resource management. Honored as an Officer in the Order of Oranje Nassau, he is also an adventurer and a member of New York’s Explorers Club, frequently exploring remote regions such as the Arctic Circle, Siberia, and Central Africa.

Show Notes Professor Susan Long and Dr. Simon Western's conversation takes us on a journey into the roots of the unconscious, tracing its lineage from early philosophical thought to contemporary psychoanalysis. Susan challenges the dominant view that confines the unconscious to an individual and pathological framework, arguing instead for a more expansive understanding—one that is inherently social, cultural, and even ecological. She draws on thinkers like Schelling, whose work connects the unconscious with nature and spirit, suggesting that our inner depths are not isolated but enmeshed in the world around us. She critiques the ideological structures that shape how we perceive the unconscious, drawing on the Frankfurt School’s insights into culture and power. At the heart of this discussion is the notion that creativity—so often seen as an individual gift—actually emerges from the collective unconscious, offering both potential and peril. This conversation invites us to consider the ethical dimension of confronting the unconscious, urging us to move beyond mere self-awareness and towards a deeper responsibility—to ourselves, our communities, and the wider world. Key Reflections The unconscious has historical roots that predate Freud. Schelling's work links the unconscious to nature and spirit. The unconscious is not just individual but also social and cultural. Creativity emerges from the collective unconscious. The Frankfurt School critiques how ideologies embed in culture. Human beings can be both creative and destructive. Neuroscience offers insights into the emotional aspects of the unconscious. The bicameral mind theory suggests a collective consciousness. Facing uncomfortable truths is an ethical responsibility. Individuality should not overshadow our connection to the community. Keywords unconscious, psychoanalysis, Schelling, Freud, social dynamics, creativity, Frankfurt School, group mind, nature, ethical responsibility Brief Bio Professor Susan Long is PhD Co-Lead and Research Lead at NIODA and former Professor of Creative and Sustainable Organisation at RMIT University, Melbourne. She supervises doctoral candidates, teaches in global programs such as INSEAD’s Master of Coaching and Consulting (Singapore), and consults on leadership, organisational change, and executive coaching. A trained clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, Susan has a deep interest in the unconscious and its influence on individuals, groups, and organisations. She has served on advisory boards, including Comcare’s Centre of Excellence for Research into Mental Health at Work, and was the founding President of Group Relations Australia. She is also a past President of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations (ISPSO), where she contributed to advancing psychoanalytic approaches to leadership and organisational life. Her latest book, The Evolution of the Unconscious: Exploring Persons, Groups, Nature and Spirit, traces the historical development of unconscious thought, from early philosophical ideas to contemporary psychoanalysis. She explores how the unconscious operates not only within individuals but also within social, ecological, and spiritual dimensions. Through this lens, she challenges reductionist views and offers a broader, interconnected understanding.

Show Notes In this conversation, Simon and Amitabh discuss the current state of the world characterized by a polycrisis, primarily driven by neoliberalism. They explore the implications of this crisis on civil society, the role of the left, and the importance of grassroots movements. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional engagement in advocacy and the potential for change through collective action and solidarity. Key Reflections We are facing a polycrisis that is a manifestation of neoliberalism. The current crisis is the biggest since World War II. Neoliberalism has shed its humane pretenses. The left has become too centrist and lacks radicalism. Grassroots movements are essential for systemic change. Civil society must focus on holding power accountable. Emotional engagement is crucial in advocacy work. Generational divides exist but are not the only factor in activism. International aid needs to be reimagined for effective collaboration. There is a growing quest for freedom and justice worldwide. Keywords polycrisis, neoliberalism, left politics, civil society, grassroots movements, international aid, activism, generational perspectives, emotional engagement, human dignity Brief Bio Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, is a global civil society leader with decades of experience in human rights, economic inequalities, governance, and social justice. Previously CEO of Oxfam India, he has held leadership roles in CIVICUS, Navsarjan, and Yuva. He serves on several global boards, including the Global Fund for Community Foundation and the Norwegian Human Rights Fund. Before Oxfam, he was Executive Director of the National Foundation for India and co-chaired the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, a network of over 11,000 civil society organizations. His work focuses on democracy, philanthropy, and citizen participation.