OrgDev with Distinction

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!How can organisation design support an organisation with a big growth agenda? How can you leverage technology speed up design and make your organisation  more efficient? How can you use AI to create greater job automation and what are the pitfalls to watch out for? These are just some of the questions we ask Adonis Kazouris, Group Senior Organisational Design Manager, at SSP Group PLC in our latest podcast.💼 About our GuestAntonis KazourisGroup Senior Organisational Design Manager, SSP Group PLCConnect with Antonis here:  / kazouris91  Antonis Kazouris is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in Organisational Design and Workforce Analytics. As Group Senior Organisational Design Manager at SSP, he has led global, large-scale transformation initiatives, including the development of global frameworks, the optimization of operating models, and the design of career progression strategies.Prior to his role at SSP, Antonis gained significant experience in the consulting industry with Deloitte and WTW, specializing in Organisational Design, Employee Experience, and DEI strategy. He has delivered impactful insights and strategies to C-suite stakeholders across diverse industries, blending advanced analytics and technology with a deep understanding of organisational needs to enhance agility, efficiency, and employee engagement.In addition to his professional work, Antonis is pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Evidence-Based Human Resource Management at Birkbeck University. His research focuses on the role of evidence-based decision-making in organisational design and its impact on effectiveness and employee performance. As an external researcher collaborating with King’s College London, he has contributed to advancing their DEI strategy and policies over the past three years.Antonis holds a Master’s in Human Resources from the London School of Economics (LSE), underscoring his commitment to integrating academic research and practical application to drive meaningful change in organisations.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!What does it take to build Organisation Development (OD) capability at the heart of Central Government? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Susanne Søndergaard Gidda, the Civil Service Operating Lead in the Cabinet Office, to explore this fascinating question.With a wealth of experience spanning multiple UK government departments, Susanne brings a unique perspective to the complexities of OD in high-stakes environments.We delve into what it means to embed OD practices within large, complex organisations, how to nurture OD capability, and the lessons Susanne has learned from her time leading OD initiatives in Central Government. Whether you’re an experienced OD practitioner or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to elevate OD capability in your own organisation.💼 About our GuestDr. Susanne Søndergaard-Gidda Connect with Susanne here:  / susanne-gidda-1939b7  Dr. Susanne Søndergaard Gidda is a leader in Civil Service Organisation Development and Design capability in her role at the Cabinet Office. With a master’s degree in occupational psychology, a PhD in organisational psychology, and recognition as a Chartered Fellow of CIPD, Susanne brings a wealth of expertise to her work.Her career spans several UK government departments, where she has honed her skills in organisational development. Susanne has also worked as a knowledge management specialist at Rolls-Royce, leading on communities of practice, and as a senior policy analyst with RAND Europe, further enriching her experience in fostering effective organisational strategies and practices.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!Where is the real value created in your organisation? Is it a specific team, a critical process, or perhaps a unique capability that sets you apart? And just as importantly, how does the organisation make money, generate surplus, or deliver value to its clients—whoever they may be? Understanding these drivers is the key to focusing your efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact.  This is the holy grail for HR and OD. To help us unpack this and explore how to identify and leverage these value points, we’re joined by Mark Doughty.💼 About our GuestMark DoughtyConnect with Mark here:  / marktdoughty  Mark Doughty is a seasoned Director of Learning & Organisation Development, celebrated for blending seminal research with critical business insights to drive impactful organisational transformation. With a career spanning diverse industries and top-tier, multicultural global companies, Mark is commercially sharp, operationally astute, and adept at curating "best in class" innovative, award-winning solutions.Renowned for spearheading programs in High-Performing Teams, Strategic Account Management, and Executive Development, Mark has consistently delivered initiatives that future-proof key strategic capabilities while achieving significant business improvements, including multimillion-pound outcomes.Academically distinguished with an M.Ed. and M.A., and a proud member of the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants, Mark brings a deep understanding of leadership, strategy, and organisational culture to the table.Mark is on a mission to redefine leadership excellence in a rapidly evolving world. Despite leadership development being a $30 billion industry—predicted to more than double by 2032—the lack of tangible leadership impact is stark. Outdated models and misaligned approaches have left many businesses struggling to connect with their people, resulting in widespread disengagement, stress, and lost value.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!What’s the secret ingredient that strengthens trust, fosters psychological safety, and drives better decision-making in organizations? How can it boost staff loyalty, adaptability, engagement, and ultimately lead to greater productivity and profitability? According to leading author Graham Allcott, the answer lies in a simple yet powerful quality: kindness.In this episode of the OrgDev Podcast, we dive into the insights from Graham’s latest book, KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work. Together, we unpack how kindness—when approached thoughtfully and strategically—can break myths, reshape workplace culture, and transform teams, leaders, and organizations. Discover the 8 key principles that make kindness a game-changing force for better business outcomes. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!Graham’s LinkedIn:  / grahamallcott  Graham Allcott is a bestselling author, best known for How to Be a Productivity Ninja, a global success. His latest book, KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, explores how kinder, more human-focused workplace cultures lead to greater organisational success.As the founder of Think Productive, a leading training and consultancy firm with offices in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, Graham has helped individuals and organisations transform the way they work.Renowned for his engaging and motivational talks, Graham blends practical insights with humor, offering actionable strategies that inspire audiences worldwide.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!Why don't leaders seem to be making progress on the things that truly matter? Why does it feel like everyone needs to be involved in everything? As organizations designed for predictability clash with an increasingly unpredictable world, the cracks are starting to show.In this episode, we dive into why the "sense and respond" approach is overtaking the traditional "plan and predict" model as the blueprint for thriving in the future. Joining us is Jurriaan Kamer, a renowned speaker, author, organizational designer, and change agent, who brings cutting-edge insights into how leaders can unblock their organizations and create environments primed for agility, autonomy, and remarkable results.💼 About our GuestFind his book on Amazon https://locally.link/pAYtUnblock book website:https://www.unblock.works/bookJurriaan’s newsletter:https://newsletter.jurriaankamer.com/Jurriaan’s LinkedIn:  / jurriaankamer  Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!The latest OrgDev podcast with the excellent Mark Stringer was a joy to record. Mark is a dedicated academic with a passion for exploring the evolving nature of work. He leads the People, Work, and Organisational Psychology (PWOP) subject group at Birkbeck Business School. In this episode we cover: The key mindsets for leading organisational change Why self-awareness is crucial in complex systems Practical tools and frameworks for facilitating transformation How resilience plays a pivotal role in managing change Real-world insights from Mark's career and research💼 About our GuestMark Stringer MSc FRSA AFHEA CBP Chartered MCIPD Subject Group Lead - People, Work and Organizational Psychology (PWOP), Senior LecturerConnect with Mark here:  / mark-stringer-msc-frsa-afhea-cbp-chartered...  Birkbeck Business School, University of Londonhttps://www.bbk.ac.uk/school/business...Mark Stringer is a dedicated academic with a passion for exploring the evolving nature of work and its significance in society. With a career spanning public and private sectors, Mark has held operational and HRM/HRD roles in industries including banking, retail, and the arts, before transitioning into academia. His research focuses on psychoanalytic practice and theory, as well as the role of language and semiotics in understanding work and organizations. He is deeply committed to inter-disciplinary, emancipatory, and pluralistic research, using psychoanalytic, structural, and poststructuralist discursive approaches to challenge conventional perspectives on work and organizational life.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!Who are the real drivers of value in your organisation? Often, it’s just a few key teams—software engineers, R&D scientists, portfolio managers—who shoulder the lion’s share of impact and growth. These elite teams are the cornerstone of organizational success, but how can leaders ensure they’re fully supported and operating at their highest potential?In this episode, we dive into what it takes to optimize these high-stakes teams, exploring how to provide the right environment, resources, and leadership to help them thrive under immense pressure.Joining us is Meir Adler, Managing Partner at Adler Advisory and a seasoned expert in HR, Organizational Development, and Transformation. Meir shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience driving high-impact outcomes across industries, helping leaders unlock the full potential of their most critical teams.💼 About our GuestMeir AdlerManaging Partner, Adler AdvisoryConnect with Meir here:  / meiradler  With over 15 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in HR, Organizational Development, and Transformation, Meir Adler brings deep expertise across operating model and organization design, agile practices, talent management, change leadership, team effectiveness, and leadership development.As the former Head of Organizational Development for International at Novartis, Meir led a team in a 27,000-strong organization spanning ~100 geographies, contributing to 55% of Novartis’s revenue. Prior to this, he worked across diverse industries, including retail, technology, banking, gaming, and pharmaceuticals, driving high-impact organizational transformations.Now Managing Partner at Adler Advisory, Meir has delivered over 40 large-scale projects, from acute interventions to enterprise-wide transformations, utilizing innovative methods like zero-based design and agile models. He is passionate about creating value through talent and organizational development and thrives in navigating complex, high-stakes transformations that redefine ways of working, technology, and organizational structures.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message! In this episode, we dive into the hidden dynamics of power, voice, and silence that shape everything from who gets recognition to who remains in the shadows.Join us as we speak with the insightful Dr. Mark Cole—author, practitioner, and researcher—who challenges us to rethink these critical dynamics and offers fresh perspectives on creating more equitable and effective workplaces. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation!Connect with Mark here: www.markcole.orgConnect with Mark on LinkedIn   / mark-cole-18a2633  The Great Unheard at Work: Understanding Voice and Silence in Organisationshttps://www.routledge.com/The-Great-U...Leadership Unravelled https://www.routledge.com/Leadership-...Radical Organisation Development https://www.routledge.com/Radical-Org...Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!What does it take to elevate leadership to truly impact not just a leader’s own performance but also that of their team, stakeholders, and entire organization? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Arlene Egan, CEO of Roffey Park, a global center of excellence in leadership and organization development.For over 75 years, Roffey Park has been at the forefront of equipping leaders with the skills to navigate complex organizational challenges. Dr. Egan shares powerful insights into transforming leadership behaviours and mindsets, including how to foster critical thinking, build resilience, and drive meaningful change that resonates across an organization.👉How to challenge and expand the way leaders think, behave, and act👉Practical strategies for aligning leader performance with organizational impact👉Key techniques for enhancing team dynamics and stakeholder relationships👉Roffey Park’s latest approaches to developing resilient, high-impact leaders💼 About our GuestDr. Arlene Egan, CEO, Roffey Park Institute Connect with Arlene here:  / drarleneegan  Visit the Roffey Park websitehttps://www.roffeypark.com/Dr. Arlene Egan, Chief Executive of Roffey Park, brings over 25 years of expertise in leadership and management development across sectors like executive education, higher education, sports, and local government. With a PhD in Psychology from University College Dublin, Arlene’s research on enhancing critical thinking gives her a unique perspective on the link between focused thinking and high performance.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message!What small, precise changes can organisations make to the way they're designed and the ways in which they working to achieve unparalleled results? However it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start and the different options available to them? Today we're off to New York to meet Dr. Erika Jacobi. Dr. Erika is a scholar and practitioner who has dedicated her career to adaptive organisation design guiding organisations through this maze and helping them achieve their goals💼 About our GuestDr. Erika JacobiExecutive Director, LC GLOBAL®Website: https://www.lc-global.com/Connect with Erika here:  / erika-jacobi-ph-d-b5261611  Follow LC GLOBAL® on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lc-g...Dr. Erika Jacobi is the Executive Director of LC GLOBAL® and a leading specialist in adaptive organization design, with over 15 years of experience across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. She develops scalable systems and dynamic solutions for Fortune 500 companies and growth-driven SMEs, applying principles from behavioral science and change psychology to foster agility, collaboration, and strategic growth.Wish you had a handy recap of the episode? So did we. That’s why each week in our Next Step to Better newsletter, we’re sharing From Pod to Practice – a 2-page visual summary of each episode designed to help you take the learning from the podcast and into your work. You’ll get: ■ Key insights from the episode ■ A reflection prompt ■ A suggested action Sign up now to get From Pod to Practice delivered to your inbox each week: https://distinction.live/keep-in-touch/ About Us We’re Dani and Garin – Organisation Development (OD) practitioners who help leaders and people professionals tackle the messiness of organisational life. We focus on building leadership capability, strengthening team effectiveness, and designing practical, systemic development programmes that help you deliver on your team and organisational goals. We also offer coaching to support individual growth and change. Find out more at www.distinction.live We'd love to connect with you on Linked In:linkedin.com/in/danibacon478https://www.linkedin.com/in/garinrouch