CIPD

Just how important are team dynamics and psychological safety in driving organisational performance? What behaviours do leaders need to model to create an environment of high performance? In the second and final episode, CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by best-selling author and broadcaster Matthew Syed to explore the role of organisations in driving and enabling high-performance.Recorded: 11 August 2025Listen back to the first episode with Matthew Syed here:https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/podcasts/hr-people-pod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join John Dawson, Chief People Officer at Lore Group, as he explores the intriguing intersection of AI and workplace conflict resolution. He debates the role of empathy in HR, and discusses the importance of supporting older employees through lifelong learning. The conversation takes an entertaining turn with insights on subtle gestures becoming legal issues and lessons from football transfer sagas to enhance succession planning. This discussion is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone in the people management space!

Is loneliness at work the hidden crisis no one is talking about? The CIPD’s Good Work Index 2025 report revealed that more than a third of working adults say they sometimes, often, or always feel lonely at work — a feeling that carries serious consequences for organisations. But what can be done? Is it an inevitable by-product of modern working life, exacerbating feelings of isolation, or can organisations take meaningful action?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Caroline Woolland, Director of HR at The King’s Fund; Liggy Webb, award-winning author, consultant and wellbeing expert; and Stephanie Davies, Founder, CEO and Head of Happiness at Laughology – as we explore how to tackle workplace loneliness head-on. Could your culture or job design be exacerbating feelings of loneliness, and what are the signs you should be alert to? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer at Advantage Smollan, and Mark Pavlika, Chief People and Purpose Officer at Bicycle London, dive into the fascinating merging of HR and IT functions, exploring how technology reshapes workplace culture. They discuss the fine line between healthy openness and oversharing, emphasizing the need for contextual communication. Additionally, they tackle absence management protocols and advocate for a culture of accountability that fosters psychological safety, ensuring everyone can learn from mistakes.

Join Matthew Syed, a best-selling author, journalist, and former Olympian, as he discusses the vital elements of high performance. He explores how a growth mindset can transform personal and organizational outcomes. Syed reflects on his childhood anxieties connected to sports and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and learning from mistakes. He also highlights the necessity of psychological safety for fostering collaboration and innovation, drawing insights from Microsoft’s cultural evolution.

Trish Hewitt, Founder and Managing Director at Haylo HR, and Nelli Rowsell, People Manager at Advantage Smollan, dive into the shifting landscape of employee expectations in the workplace. They discuss the evolving psychological contract post-COVID, emphasizing the growing demand for flexibility and alignment with personal values. The conversation uncovers warning signs of trust issues, the importance of open communication, and the need for clear career development pathways. They also address how organizations can better support employees balancing work and family responsibilities.

Would capping the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection at six months be a reasonable compromise for employers? With hybrid working perceived to have a negative impact on managers’ ability to lead teams effectively, what could organisations be doing differently? And what impact is AI having on the prospects of the latest wave of graduates entering the labour market for the first time?CIPD's Amy Crutchfield, is joined by Beth Samson, People Director at Investors in People; Garin Rouch, OD Consultant at Distinction Business Consulting; and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – CIPD Ireland.Recorded: 25 July 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When is the right time to communicate organisational change, and how can we strengthen people’s resilience to change? Can a better understanding of neuroscience help manage and implement the change process more effectively? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza, is joined by author, international speaker, and consultant in the field of neuroscience and change management, Hilary Scarlett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Ayim is a leadership counsellor and entrepreneur who has advised major companies, while Beth Samson serves as People Director at Investors in People, known for her insights into organizational culture. They dive into the chicken-or-egg debate on whether leadership shapes culture or vice versa. Key discussions revolve around open communication, the need for leaders to align actions with words, and the role of soft skills in navigating modern challenges. They also highlight the importance of mentoring and self-awareness in fostering a thriving work environment.

In this engaging discussion, guests Janet Campbell, an HR director with diverse sector experience, and David Blackburn, a seasoned consultant in change management, tackle the ideal span of control for managers. They explore how outdated HR perceptions hinder career growth and emphasize the importance of mentorship for navigating non-linear career paths. The duo also highlights the evolving challenges faced by HR professionals in a hybrid work environment and the critical need for clear metrics to ensure organizational success.