

We Are Human Leaders
Alexis Zahner & Sally Clarke
Welcome to We Are Human Leaders - big conversations around human-centred leadership at work and beyond. This is a story about you, as a Human, and a Leader. It doesn’t matter your industry, your geography, the products you sell or the services that you offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a corporation, or a small business, it doesn’t matter your profit margins or your official job title. Our common denominator is the same, we are humans first and leaders second. This is a call to everyone who prioritizes learning and growth to truly put Humans first in business. Human Leaders is changing how we work to ensure business and humans can thrive through work. Human Leaders create workplaces where every single person feels seen, their contributions valued and their voice heard. We’re mobilizing the global leadership community to reimagine what work looks like and we’re glad you’re on this journey with us. Find out more at www.wearehumanleaders.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 6min
Brain Snack: How Paradox Thinking Opens Your Mind
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Author and expert on Paradox Thinking, Wendy Smith shares with Alexis and Sally the dangers of either or thinking, and how this can keep us stuck both personally and professionally. She gives us language around what paradox thinking is, and her two key practical strategies to use paradox thinking to open our minds more broadly. For more, check out the full conversation Paradox Thinking: The Ultimate Leadership Hack in Times of Uncertainty with Wendy Smith.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 2025 • 48min
Should we Ditch Employee Engagement? with Mark C Crowley
In this impactful conversation, Mark C. Crowley unpacks the critical shift from traditional employee engagement metrics to a focus on employee wellbeing. He emphasizes that wellbeing is not merely a perk but a fundamental driver of organizational success. The discussion highlights the importance of regular feedback, managerial accountability, and the role of love and positive emotions in leadership. Mark argues that leaders must understand their values and foster a caring workplace culture to enhance employee performance and satisfaction.You'll learn:Why wellbeing is the driver of organizational flourishing.The backstory on why engagement metrics have not improved over 20 years.How regular feedback is crucial for employee performance.Why wellbeing should not be a perk but a priority.The need for managers to be accountable for their impact on employees.How to create a caring workplace culture that enhances performance.Key reasons leaders should know their values to lead effectively.How trusting employees with autonomy improves wellbeing.Why love and positive emotions are essential in the workplace.The impact of personal accountability for effective leadership.Mark C. Crowley is a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart. He is the host of the acclaimed Lead from the Heart podcast. His new book is The Power of Employee Well-Being: Move Beyond Engagement to Build Flourishing Teams.Explore the episode00:00 The Engagement Dilemma04:56 Rethinking Employee Well-Being07:52 The Shift from Engagement to Well-Being10:50 Understanding the Business Case for Well-Being13:47 Managerial Responsibility in Employee Well-Being16:57 The Importance of Self-Awareness for Leaders24:51 The Journey of Leadership and Self-Discovery25:47 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership30:57 Defining Personal Values and Credo35:12 Loosening Control for Employee Wellbeing40:53 The Role of Love in Leadership47:48 Leading with Humanity47:48 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Mark's work and where to get his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/should-we-ditch-employee-engagementThank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2025 • 7min
Brain Snack: How AI Will Change Work in the Next Decade
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Atlassian’s Dom Price shares with Alexis and Sally his predictions on how radically different the world of work will look in the next ten years thanks to technology and AI.For more, check out the full conversation AI And The Future Of Work with Atlassian Futurist Dom Price at the link in the show notes.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 2025 • 47min
Why Authenticity is BS with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
In this We Are Human Leaders conversation, author and organizational psychologist Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic shares insights from his latest book: Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead).We discuss the complexities of authenticity in leadership, emphasizing that the common advice to 'just be yourself' can be misleading. He explores the psychological underpinnings of self-perception, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the traps associated with pursuing authenticity.This inspiring discussion highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their impact on others and to cultivate a balance between self-awareness and pro-social behavior. And, the conversation calls for a redefinition of authenticity that includes the potential for growth and change.You'll Learn:How authenticity is often misinterpreted in leadership contexts.Why self-deception is prevalent among leaders, affecting their effectiveness.The science behind how caring about how we impact others is crucial for effective leadership.Why the mantra 'always be true to yourself' can be a trap.How ignoring others' perceptions can lead to ineffective leadership.The reasons why emotional intelligence is essential for navigating interpersonal dynamics.That self-knowledge is a continuous journey, not a destination.Why integrating feedback from others is vital for personal growth.How leaders should sculpt their future selves rather than just amplify their current personas.That authenticity should encompass all possible selves, allowing for growth and evolution.Chapters00:00 The Complexity of Authenticity05:07 The Performative Nature of Self08:00 The Nuances of Leadership and Authenticity10:35 The Dangers of Self-Deception13:32 The Authenticity Traps in Leadership15:42 The Impact of Others' Perceptions18:23 Navigating the Balance of Self and Others23:00 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity and Conflict Avoidance24:22 The Balance of Self-Awareness and Leadership27:27 Emotional Intelligence: A Counterpoint to Authenticity29:15 The Tyranny of the Self in Modern Society34:22 Cultural Values: Individualism vs. Collectivism38:00 Authenticity: Self-Knowledge vs. Community Engagement44:50 The Future of Authenticity in Leadership46:25 Introduction to Human Leadership46:34 Exploring the Essence of Human LeadershipLearn more about the work of Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic including his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/why-authenticity-is-bs-tomas-chamorro-premuzicThank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2025 • 9min
Brain Snack: How to Make Better Decisions
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Professor Ellen Langer shares with Alexis and Sally how to make decisions differently, so that you can find new solutions rather than simply repeat patterns of behaviour which briefly touches on her research into the Illusion of Control. For more, check out the full conversation Mind Body Wisdom and The Illusion of Control with Ellen Langer right here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 2025 • 37min
How to Befriend Uncertainty with Terence Mauri
In the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, we explore a topic that's inescapable right now: disruption.In this dense-with-wisdom conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner sit down with Terence Mauri, a global authority on leadership and disruption. They explore the concept of disruption, emphasizing its role in learning and growth rather than just technology. Terence introduces the DARE framework, which stands for Data, Agility, Risk, and Evolution, as a guide for leaders to navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The discussion highlights the importance of human connection, the risks of over-reliance on technology, and the need for leaders to foster a culture of curiosity and adaptability. Terence also shares some brilliant, actionable insights for leaders to embrace a radically human approach to disruption and organizational change.You'll learn:Disruption is not just a technology story; it's a learning journey.The half-life of skills is decreasing, necessitating continuous learning.Organizations are often trapped in bureaucracy, hindering productivity.Leaders must embrace a mindset of agility and evolution.The DARE framework helps leaders navigate change effectively.Human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.Future readiness requires a balance between present and future focus.Disruption can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.Leaders should prioritize well-being to enhance productivity.Starting before you're ready can lead to meaningful change.Key Chapters00:00 Defining Disruption: A New Perspective06:08 The Half-Life of Skills and Complacency09:12 Risk vs. Opportunity: Embracing Uncertainty12:01 The Radically Human Approach to Disruption14:57 The DARE Framework: A Roadmap for Leaders17:51 Future Readiness: Balancing Today and Tomorrow21:00 Organizational Rewilding: Embracing Human Values23:56 Practical Steps for Leaders: Start Before You're ReadyLearn more about Terence's work and We Are Human Leaders at our show notes https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/befriending-uncertainty-with-terence-mauri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 2025 • 11min
Brain Snack: How to Gain a Competitive Advantage with Ethical AI
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Tracey Spicer shares with Alexis and Sally how organisations can gain a competitive advantage in a challenging labour market through ethical AI. And how to use AI to create Protopia.For more, check out the full conversation Built In Bias: The Potential And Perils Of AI For Leaders And Workplaces with Tracey Spicer.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 2025 • 46min
Escaping the Busyness Trap With Megan Reitz
Busyness is killing productivity and harming workplace culture. Here's how to counter it for amazing results at individual, team and organizational levels.In this conversation, author and expert Megan Reitz discusses the dangers of busyness in modern leadership and the importance of spacious thinking and mindfulness. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster spaciousness, allowing for better decision-making, creativity, and well-being. The discussion covers practical steps to integrate spacious thinking into daily routines and highlights the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.What this episode covers:How Busyness can lead to mental and physical health issues.Why spacious thinking allows for creativity and insight.The fact that mindfulness is often misunderstood in corporate settings.Why creating safety in the workplace is essential for spaciousness.How attention can be trained and should not be left to chance.Taking small pauses in the day can help create spaciousness.Why conflict can lead to new perspectives and insights.The ways the physical environment impacts our thinking and creativity.Why leaders must adapt to the pace of technology by embracing spaciousness.How mindfulness is a practice that requires ongoing effort.Chapters00:00 The Dangers of Busyness07:50 Understanding Mindfulness in the Workplace14:06 The Irony of Productivity and Spaciousness16:29 Exploring Spacious Thinking21:01 The Power of Spaciousness29:19 Creating Space in Leadership37:17 The Future of Work and Spacious Thinking41:29 Practical Steps to Invite SpaciousnessLearn more about Professor Megan Reitz, including where to connect with her, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/escaping-busyness-trap-megan-reitzAs Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 7min
Brain Snack: How to Bring Self-Compassion into Leadership
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Amy Finlay-Jones shares with us how Self-Compassion can help us become a more effective leader, and how we can use this to connect with our team.For more, check out the full conversation with Amy right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/self-compassion-amy-finlay-jonesFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 39min
Treat Your People like Your Customers with Stephan Meier
In this insight-packed conversation, Stephan Meier discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to the future of work, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He outlines the benefits of an employee-first workplace, including increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Stephan also highlights the shift in perspective where employees are seen as customers, advocating for organizations to apply customer-centric strategies to enhance employee experiences. Real-world examples, such as H.E.B. and Costco, illustrate the success of employee-centric practices. The discussion touches on the concept of quiet quitting and the need for leaders to actively listen to their employees to drive engagement. Finally, Stephan shares strategies for humanizing work and motivating employees through personalized experiences and continuous learning.What you'll learnThe future of work must be human-centric.Technology should augment human capabilities, not replace them.An employee-first workplace increases productivity and innovation.Employees are the new customers, deserving of attention and care.Real-world examples show the success of employee-centric organizations.Quiet quitting has been a long-standing issue, not just a pandemic phenomenon.Listening to employees is crucial for engagement and improvement.Removing bureaucratic barriers can enhance employee experience.Personalized experiences can motivate employees and reduce turnover.Investing in employee experience is essential for long-term success.Stephan Meier is one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of behavioral economics, corporate strategy and future of work. He is currently the James P. Gorman Professor of Business Strategy and the Chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He is the author of “THE EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive”. He is an award-winning teacher at Columbia, and every year hundreds of students learn from him about the “human side” of strategy in Columbia’s MBA and executive education programs.To learn more about Stephan Meier and We Are Human Leaders visit www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/employee-experience-stephan-meier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


