

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

Nov 18, 2025 • 41min
Digital Detox: Why Switching Off is a Superpower with Tyler Rice
In this enlightening conversation, we speak with Tyler Rice, founder of the Digital Wellness Institute, exploring the concept of digital wellness and its significance in today's technology-driven world.Tyler unpacks his latest book, Tactical Disconnection: The Secret to Health, Happiness, and Productivity in an Always-on World and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between technology use and personal wellbeing, introducing the idea of 'tactical disconnection'—small, intentional breaks from technology to enhance productivity and happiness. The discussion also explores the challenges of digital overuse, the duality of our digital and authentic selves, and practical strategies for fostering a healthier workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing.You'll learn so much in this episode, including:How digital wellness is the study of living harmoniously with technology.The ways tactical disconnection involves small, intentional breaks from technology.Why finding digital balance is crucial for productivity and happiness.What makes it hard to disconnect and how compulsive design in technology captures our attention excessively.The ways we show up as both a digital self and an authentic self.The reasons positive psychology can motivate behavior change towards digital wellness.How creating communication norms in teams enhances digital wellness.PIA: How Perception, intention, and action are key components of digital wellness.Why leaders should model digital wellness behaviors for their teams.The ways in which health, happiness, and productivity are interconnected – and how digital wellness impacts them all.Chapters00:00 Understanding Digital Wellness02:55 The Importance of Digital Wellness at Work05:56 Tipping Points in Technology and Work-Life Balance08:55 Defining Tactical Disconnection12:04 Challenges of Digital Wellness14:55 Navigating the Digital Self vs. Authentic Self18:43 Exploring Positive Psychology and Digital Wellness23:16 The PIA Approach: Perception, Intention, Action29:50 Creating Healthier Workplaces through Tactical Disconnection36:41 The Interconnection of Health, Happiness, and Productivity38:35 Introduction to Digital Wellness39:35 Insights from Tactical Disconnection40:35 The Importance of Digital BalanceLearn more about Tyler and his work at www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/digital-detox-tactical-disconnection-tyler-riceThanks for being a part of this incredible community! Feel welcome to leave us a 5 star rating or share this episode with someone you think will benefit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 2025 • 7min
Brain Snack: How to Move from Busyness to Spaciousness
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Mindfulness Expert Researcher Megan Reitz shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on how we can create more spaciousness in our increasingly busy and complex world. She shares the five fundamental pillars of spaciousness, and some practical insights to begin using these to escape the busyness hamster wheel in your own life.For more, check out the full conversation Escaping the Busyness Trap with Megan Reitz here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
Say Goodbye To Your Limiting Beliefs with Muriel Wilkins
In this exploratory conversation, author, executive coach and expert Muriel Wilkins discusses the concept of leadership blockages, exploring how beliefs can hinder effective leadership. She identifies seven common blockers that leaders face and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and unpacking these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The personal, robust discussion highlights the need for leaders to engage in a continuous journey of self-discovery and exploration, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and effective leadership style.You'll LearnHow Leadership begins with self-awareness and understanding our blockages.Which common beliefs drive behaviors, and recognizing them is crucial for growth.The seven blockers that can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.Why unpacking beliefs is essential for sustainable leadership change.How internal validation is key to overcoming self-doubt in leadership.Why adulting in leadership involves recognizing and managing our beliefs.The back story on why journey of leadership is ongoing and requires continuous reflection.How creating a culture of feedback starts with leaders addressing their own beliefs.How the process of unblocking involves awareness, unpacking, and reframing beliefs.Just why a world of unblocked leaders can lead to more inclusive and effective organizational cultures and healthier societies.Chapters00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages05:05 Exploring the Seven Blockers08:01 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker11:03 The Impact of Fear on Leadership13:59 The Process of Uncovering and Unblocking Beliefs21:58 Exploring Beliefs and Feedback25:41 The Role of Resistance in Leadership27:23 Adult Development and Leadership Maturity30:13 The Importance of Unpacking Beliefs34:06 The Journey of Integration and Behavior Change37:58 The Invisible Adventures of Leadership38:57 Creating a Culture of Unblocked Leaders40:56 Leading with Humanity40:56 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Muriel's work and access the transcript and more right here.Learn more about Human Leadership right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.


