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Dec 2, 2025 • 53min

Operating Models Reimagined: Aligning Business and HR for Agility and Impact

What happens when the systems we’ve built can no longer keep up with the pace of change?  Drawing on their insights and expertise, Perry and Kent explore how technologies such as generative AI continue to drive disruption, with many organizations finding that their operating models are too rigid to adapt. They explore how HR can take the lead in reinventing these models and place data, technology and people at the centre to evolve from being a function of delivery to a designer of the future workplace.  They discuss how human and machine collaboration can create a win-win ecosystem, where adaptability becomes a mindset and innovation an everyday reality. The organizations that learn to redesign continuously are the ones that will thrive.  About the authors: Perry Timms has more than 20 years' experience in HR and organizational development and is the Founder and Chief Energy Officer at People & Transformational HR Ltd. He is the author of Transformational HR, The Energized Workplace and The HR Operating Model.  Kent McMillan is a thought leader, innovator, consultant and a regular speaker in the area of operating model and organization design and implementation. He is a managing director at Accenture and holds two US patents for Accenture's organization analytics and design platform. He is the co-author of Rethinking Operating Models.  Where to find them: Perry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrytimms/    Website: pthr.co.uk  Kent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akentmm/  Website: accenture.com/us-en/services/talent-organization/future-organization  TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions 01:05 – Why did you decide to write a book on HR Operating Models? 07:08 – What is an operating model? 15:39 – HR as the designer and enabler of organizational agility 27:23 – Adopting more strategic operating models 38:28 – One thing leaders can do to reshape operating models for the future 47:36 – One key thing you learned from writing your book 51:16 – Where to find the authors #FutureOfWork #AgileHR #OperatingModels #DigitalTransformation #GenerativeAI #HRLeadership #OrganizationalChange #BusinessStrategy #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Nov 25, 2025 • 30min

Decoding Data: Curiosity, Confidence and Communication in the Digital Age

We all know data is everywhere, but how do we really make sense of it?  Drawing on their expertise, Adam and Nicholas unpack what data literacy means in practice. They explore the difference between correlation and causation, how to build the confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions and how to engage with data on your own terms.  Discover why data isn’t just for analysts. It’s about learning the language, developing curiosity, and collaborating with others to bring meaningful data-driven thinking into every part of your role. Whether you’re early in your career or leading a team, you’ll learn how to own your seat at the table, build your data vocabulary, bring meaningful data-driven thinking into every part of your role and turn information into confident decision-making.  About the authors: Adam Ross Nelson is a data science consultant and career coach based. Having transitioned into the data science field from his career as an attorney, he helps those looking to develop their data science skills, pivot their career or improve their career trajectory. He is the author of Confident Data Science.  Nicholas Kelly is a principal at G&K Consulting and is a leader in analytics adoption having designed and developed dashboards for some of the world's largest companies, from global banks to Formula 1 teams. He is the inventor of the Dashboard Wireframe Kit and is the author of Delivering Data Analytics and How to Interpret Data.  Where to find them: Adam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnelson/  Website: coaching.adamrossnelson.com/free-booklet   Nicholas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaspkelly/  Website: deliveringdataanalytics.com   TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – Why did you write a book on data? 02:54 – Overcoming data jargon 07:23 – Common mistakes when interpreting data 11:30 – Speaking confidently about data 18:27 – Making data relatable  24:26 – One key thing you learned from writing your book 28:59 – Where to find the authors   #DataLiteracy #Analytics #DecisionMaking #DigitalSkills #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #DataCulture #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Nov 18, 2025 • 36min

The Remote Work Reset: Leading with Empathy, Trust and Joy

Is remote work really the threat to productivity and culture that some leaders fear?  Drawing on their knowledge and experience, Jennifer and Gemma challenge the myths surrounding hybrid and remote work, exploring how flexibility can boost inclusion, engagement and long-term success. They explore how digital-first organizations are thriving, why trust is the foundation of effective leadership and how empathy and communication can prevent burnout and build belonging.  Discover the link between work and happiness and how purpose, wellbeing and autonomy intersect in today’s evolving workplace. From rethinking leadership traits to creating environments that value individuality and connection, find out how managers and organizations can adapt to a world of work that is here to stay.  About the authors: Jennifer Moss is the co-founder of Plasticity Labs, a technology startup that produces software to measure organizational culture, inform leaders of their current and ongoing social/emotional state and improve employee happiness at work. She is the author of Unlocking Happiness at Work.  Gemma Dale is a Senior HR professional, conference speaker, writer and coach with over 20 years' experience. She is a lecturer in employment law, organizational behaviour and wellbeing at Liverpool John Moores University Business School, UK and co-founder of The Work Consultancy where she helps business develop their people policies. She is the author of How to Manage Remotely, Flexible Working, Employee Relations Explained and Employee Engagement and Wellbeing Explained.  Where to find them: Jennifer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenleighmoss/  Website: jennifer-moss.com  Gemma: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-dale/   TIME STAMPS  00:00 – Introduction  01:19 – Why did you decide to write your book on the ‘new world of work’ 03:44 – Debunking remote working myths 12:48 – Being a 'good manager’ in a remote-first world 24:03 – Happiness and its importance in performance 29:24 – One thing a manager should do to boost connection and morale 33:09 – One key thing you learned from writing your book 35:30 – Where to find the authors  #HybridWork #RemoteLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #Inclusion #WorkplaceWellbeing #Leadership #CompanyCulture #FlexibleWork #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Nov 11, 2025 • 33min

The Future of Travel: Cultivating Loyalty, Authenticity and Sustainability

How can travel brands stay relevant in an era of shifting loyalties and sustainability demands?  Drawing on their expertise, Steve and Caroline discuss how tourist destinations can build stronger communities, nurture loyalty in an age of brand disloyalty and use social media to create authentic, shareable moments. We also look at how sustainability has moved from a differentiator to a necessity, with younger travellers demanding responsibility and purpose from the businesses they support.  Discover why now is the time to future-proof your brand, embed sustainability at every level and find out how authenticity and transparency are defining the next era of the travel industry.  About the authors: Stephen Lowy is Chairman of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA) and CEO of Anglo Educational Services (AES), which manages foreign student apartments in Central London. He is serving as Interim CEO of the Mountbatten Program and is a board member of the Tourism Alliance, Trustee of the Savoy Educational Trust and Chairman of Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP). He is the author of Creating Loyalty in Youth Travel.  Caroline Bremner is a global travel thought leader with 28 years of experience in market research. She advises global travel brands, destinations and consumer goods players on how to navigate the new travel normal, embrace consumer trends, digitalization and sustainable innovation to meet climate targets and unlock long term value. She is the author of Future-Proofing Travel.  Where to find them: Stephen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelowy/  Website: angloeducaional.com (Anglo Educational Services) umidigital.co.uk (Umi Digital) residenceapartments.com (Company)   Caroline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebremner1/   TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions  01:05 – Why did you decide to write a book on the future of travel? 03:38 – Future-proofing your travel business 06:58 – Driving loyalty among Gen Z 14:05 – Digital habits and social media influencing brand perception 21:10 – Balancing sustainability and the fast-changing market 27:28 – One key thing you learned from writing your book 31:36 – Where to find the authors  #TravelMarketing #BrandStrategy #Sustainability #InfluencerMarketing #CustomerExperience #FutureOfBusiness #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Nov 4, 2025 • 52min

Speak. Persuade. Win: Communication and Negotiation in the Modern Workplace

What if every conversation you have is a form of negotiation?  Drawing on their insights and knowledge, Mike and Alan define negotiation, not as a high-stakes skill reserved for boardrooms, but as a fundamental part of everyday communication. From building rapport and finding shared understanding to knowing when to pause and listen, negotiation is about searching for agreement, not winning an argument.  Find out how effective negotiators are great communicators first, how listening and silence can shape outcomes and why asking questions often achieves more than making statements. You’ll also hear how persuasion, patience and reflection can transform the way we collaborate, influence and build trust.  About the authors: Mike Clayton has had a long career as a project manager, consultant, educator and writer. Formerly a senior manager at Deloitte, he has trained tens of thousands of managers throughout the UK and beyond. He is the author of How to Negotiate.  Alan Barker is Managing Director of Kairos Training Limited, a specialist consultancy dedicated to developing creativity and communication skills. A prolific writer, he is the author of How to Improve Your Communication Skills and The Complete Copywriter.  Where to find them: Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclayton/  Website: mikeclayton.co.uk (Company) onlinepmcourses.com (Company) youtube.com/channel/UCQazot7vvCK6sz3ZAr6OG9g (Management Courses)  Alan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanbarker/   TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:03 - Why did you decide to write a book on communication?04:22 - Negotiation is fundamentally a communication skill11:40 - Struggling to speak up for yourself20:24 - Everyday communication skills = strong negotiator37:02 - One habit to improve communication and negotiation skills43:46 - One key thing you learned from writing and researching your books50:40 - Where to find the authors #NegotiationSkills #Communication #Leadership #Listening #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessCommunication #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Oct 28, 2025 • 31min

What Makes Teams Tick: The Real Drivers of Engagement and Performance

Why are so many employees disengaged, and what can leaders do about it? Drawing on their expertise, Dan and Nick look beyond short-term causes to explore the deeper, long-term factors shaping disengagement across industries. They explore why true engagement isn’t about quick fixes or KPIs; it’s about contentment, respect, wellbeing and a shared sense of purpose, even in times of uncertainty. Discover the four practical steps leaders can take to foster belonging, psychological safety and social wellbeing, alongside the importance of emotional intelligence, critical thinking and composure under pressure. A thriving organization starts with people who are proud to be part of it.  About the authors: Nick Smallman is Founder and CEO of Working Voices. He has been advising blue-chip clients on engagement, leadership and communication for more than 27 years. During that time, he has built an international reputation for thought leadership, delivering acclaimed talks for multinationals on a range of leadership and communication issues  Dan Parry is the Head of Communications at Working Voices. With nearly 30 years' experience in the media, he has a track record in journalism and documentaries and is a published author of three other books.  They are the co-authors of Engaging Teams.  Where to find them: Nick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeynotespeaker/  Website: workingvoices.com   Dan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-parry-b2b374a0/  Website: workingvoices.com  TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions  01:01 - Why did you decide to write a book about engaging teams?04:40 - Defining team engagement vs employee engagement08:04 - Including all team members14:07 - Leadership behaviours that affect team engagement20:30 - Habits to help with engagement in everyday life25:10 - One key thing you learned while writing your book 29:48 - Where to find the authors#EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #WellbeingAtWork #OrganizationalCulture #Belonging #WorkplaceWellbeing #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Apr 29, 2025 • 34min

The Human-Centric Workplace: Why you Should Prioritize your People

How can the human element be leveraged to boost individual and business performance?  Drawing on their expertise in employee experience, Simon and Michael explore the human factors of the workplace, what culture means for the future workplace generations and how clarity, trust and innovation can drive a competitive advantage. Gain key insights and practical tips on how to help improve your organization’s performance in the constantly evolving and changing world of work, embed collaboration, team spirit and a culture of advocacy into your processes and optimize both individual and collective performances for a happy and productive workplace.   About the authors: Michael Esau is a Global Value Advisor at SAP with over 25 years' experience in delivering organizational development solutions, cultural transformations and employee engagement strategies.  Simon Humphreys is a Global Solution Architect at SAP with 30 years experience, working with clients globally on how to maximize return on HR technology investments. They are the co-authors of The Human Factor. Where to find them: Simon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sihumphreys/  Website: https://podcast.opensap.info/the-human-factor/  Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-esau-00a78a1/  Website: https://podcast.opensap.info/the-human-factor/  TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions 00:54 – Why did you decide to write a book on ‘the human factor’ 05:16 – The key elements of a workplace culture 10:57 – Building trust and collaboration 16:50 – Where to put your focus - Metrics or efficiency? 21:03 – Integrating human-centric practices  27:26 – One key thing you learned while writing your book 31:07 – Where to find the authors #TheHumanFactor #EmployeeExperience #EX #OrganizationalPerformance #WorkplaceWellbeing #Innovation #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Apr 22, 2025 • 37min

Sustainability at Scale: Overcoming Barriers and Making Meaningful Change

Where can organizations make the biggest impact with sustainability? What are the barriers? How can they start building towards a better future? Drawing on their expertise in sustainability, Paolo and Melina discuss the three main barriers to developing sustainable organizations, explore how leadership can drive the sustainability agenda and give practical tips on connecting with stakeholders to make the greatest impact. Discover how to become a sustainability champion, implement appropriate strategies and start making a meaningful difference in your organization to build a better world for future generations.  About the authors: Paolo Taticchi is Professor in Strategy and Sustainability and the Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at University College London, School of Management. Melina Corvaglia-Charrey is a Researcher at University College London, School of Management with over 15 years of experience as a senior marketing leader in the media industry. They are the co-authors of How to be Sustainable.  Where to find them: Paolo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-taticchi-omri-22955215/  Website: https://www.paolotaticchi.com/   Melina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-corvaglia-charrey/   TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions 00:55 – Why did you decide to write a book on sustainability? 03:50 – Key challenges in the sustainability industry 08:50 – Most effective strategies to implement sustainability 18:12 – Balancing short-term profitability with long-term sustainability 24:32 – Innovation and technology in sustainability 29:10 – One key thing you learned while writing your book 35:39 – Where to find the authors    #Sustainability #FutureOfWork #SustainableWorkplace #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Apr 15, 2025 • 38min

The Modern Leader: Reimagining the Role of Leadership

Why is traditional leadership struggling and what can we do to become better leaders? Drawing on their expertise in leadership, humanity and organizational vision, Chris and Inez discuss why modern leaders must be self-aware, lean into human traits in the age of artificial intelligence and explore how to start driving meaningful change. Gain key insights and practical tips on implementing rebellious approaches to leadership, developing into approachable, engaging and effective leaders and discover how to truly make a difference in the world of work.  About the authors: Chris Lewis is founder of Team LEWIS, a global marketing consultancy that campaigns for commercial and community causes. He is the author of Too Fast to Think, co-author of The Leadership Lab and The Infinite Leader. Inez Robinson-Odom works in media, education, executive coaching and social justice. She is Vice President of Professional Development for Team LEWIS.  They are the co-authors of The Silent Rebellion.  Where to find them: Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislewis4/  Website: https://www.teamlewis.com/   Inez:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inez-odom-52b94413/  Website: https://www.inezodom.com/  TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Introductions 00:50 – Why did you decide to write a book on leadership? 07:47 – The effects of the pandemic on leadership 13:43 – Driving meaningful change 20:42 – Embracing your rebellious side 26:38 – The next generation of leaders 34:44 – One key thing you learned while writing your book 37:17 – Where to find the authors #Leadership  #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalDevelopment #TheSilentRebellion #OffThePage #BusinessBooks 
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Apr 8, 2025 • 48min

Building Trust from Within: The Power of Internal Communication

Amanda Coleman, a crisis communication consultant with over 20 years in emergency services, and Rachel Miller, an authority on internal communication and former journalist, explore the vital role of effective internal communication in organizations. They discuss how transparency and storytelling can enhance company culture and employee engagement, especially during crises. The duo also delves into evolving leadership expectations post-pandemic, emphasizing authenticity and empathy, along with strategies for building trust in hybrid workplaces.

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