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At a time when a group of rich, white, middle-aged American men seem to be claiming that inclusion has gone too far, Michelle and Julia have a fabulous conversation with diversity consultant Liz Crutchley. You can find out more about Liz’s work at https://diversityrocks.co.uk/

On this week’s show the full crew are together to answer listener questions. Our shows of the year are as follows: Julia – Paul Clarke Lisa – Tim Plester, Timandra Harkness and James Eves Chris – Mark Bjornsgaard and Martin Sadler Michelle – Cat Barnard, Paula Brockwell, Tammy Watchorn and Katrina Collier Matt – Alice Sherwood We are back in January 2025 – Happy New Year!

Join critical futurist Johannes Kleske, who specializes in how societal narratives influence our perception of the future. He discusses the idea that our future visions are shaped by present-day stories, particularly in capitalism and AI. Kleske emphasizes the power of 'what if' scenarios in guiding organizational discussions, helping to visualize potential outcomes. The conversation also touches on the blend of culture and technology, illustrating how storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping our expectations and innovations.

Tim Plester, an actor and director known for his work in 'Wolf Hall', joins the conversation as a passionate folknographer. He shares the significance of reviving Morris dancing and how it intertwines with cultural history, particularly during World War I. Tim also discusses the value of archival footage in uncovering rich historical stories and the importance of community in preserving folk customs. The episode highlights an exciting crowdfunding initiative aimed at safeguarding these traditions and the collaboration with the British Library.

Victoria Dioh, an expert in personal purpose and intuitive leadership, shares her insights on unlocking one’s true potential. She highlights how societal norms often derail individuals from pursuing their passions. The conversation urges self-reflection and the importance of aligning work with personal values for genuine fulfillment. Listeners discover the transformative power of joy and intuition in finding meaningful career paths. Victoria's wisdom encourages embracing a journey of self-awareness over conventional expectations.

On this week’s show, Julia and Michelle meet with Clara Bettina Behrmann to talk about how psychological safety can become performative.

Henry Oakes, co-founder of Pathfinder, dives into the transformative power of AI in project management. He discusses how AI can help project managers identify crucial connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. The conversation also addresses the challenges of integrating AI into workflows, emphasizing the need for user adoption and understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives. With insights into the humanization of AI tools, Oakes highlights the potential for these technologies to streamline processes and foster better collaboration within teams.

On this week’s show Lisa and Julia are joined by Gallup Certified Strengths coach (and, for full disclosure, Michelle’s partner) James Eves to talk about finding out what we are good at doing.

Neil Millard, a seasoned IT contractor and author of 'Confident Contractor,' dives into the complexities of freelance work. He shares insights on navigating tax implications and insurance for contractors, tapping into personal experiences with IR35 regulations. The rise of offshore recruitment is discussed, shedding light on how remote work is shifting salary expectations. Millard emphasizes the power of networking in securing contracts, revealing that personal connections often lead to more opportunities than traditional job boards.

On this week’s show Michelle joins Chris and Lisa to talk about the experience of turning her book into an audiobook. You can get Good Girl Deprogramming exlusively on Audible here: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Good-Girl-Deprogramming-Audiobook/B0D9MKBDBW