About Time - with Chris Nichols

This episode finds Chris in conversation with his old friend and colleague Alex Steele. Alex is a professional jazz musician as well as being a visiting Professor and Fellow at business schools and universities. He is a coach and an academic specialising in environmental matters. This episode takes a playful deep dive into Alex’s work, including its roots in his family where music was the first language. Alex talks about how his jazz improvisational work helps leaders in organisational life to develop deep and heartfelt collaboration skills that allow them to work differently with uncertainty. This episode concludes with a lovely piece of jazz improv from Alex at the keyboard.

In this episode of the About Time podcast, Chris Nichols is in conversation with Helen Sieroda, a leadership expert and coach. They discuss Helen's journey through eastern philosophy, psychosynthesis psychology, her coaching philosophy, the impact of her master's degree, and the importance of action inquiry in leadership development. Helen shared her insights on purpose in business, the challenges of B Corp certification, and the significance of paying attention to the world around us. The conversation also delves into the concept of sub-personalities in leadership and the importance of finding joy in the work we do. Helen reflects on her writing practice and the personal growth that comes from embracing discomfort and creativity.

In this episode Chris spends time with long time colleague Michael Chaskalson, buddhist teacher and mindfulness practitioner. Michael is a writer, consultant, coach and academic, and author of many books. His work brings the wisdom of buddhist practice together with the latest work in physiology and neuroscience, to help leaders and teams be more fully human and effective in turbulent times. Michael’s latest research and writing explores the importance of the move from being mindful to being wakeful. It’s vital stuff. 

This episode features Chris in conversation with author, educator and master story-teller Geoff Mead. Geoff and Chris have often worked together over the past twenty or more years. Chris explores with Geoff the roots of his practice, and its links to the therapeutic and leadership development worlds, and dives into Geoff’s latest work on writing, identity and the remaking of possibility. 

In this first episode of the Project 65, About Time podcast, Chris Nichols and Philippa Hardman discuss their long-standing collaboration in strategy engagement. They reflect on their work together, innovative approaches to strategy implementation, and the impact of their practice over the years. They also look ahead to future conversations and guests.