Corey-osity Unleashed

Debra & Ken Corey
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Corey-osity Unleashed isn’t your typical leadership podcast - no corporate fluff, no HR jargon. Just raw, real, and unfiltered conversations about how we can (and should) treat our people in today’s messy, complex workplaces. With our guests, we get curious by challenging the norm and questioning the status quo, exploring and unleashing bold new ways to think and act about people and work. Expect tough truths, honest insights, a few laughs, and maybe even a well-placed swear word or two—because let’s be real, our people deserve better, and our businesses can’t afford to keep getting it wrong

  1. 27 MAR

    S2E7 Corey-osity Unleashed with Fredrik Haren

    What if the secret to your next breakthrough idea isn't thinking harder — but getting your ego completely out of the way? Fredrik Haren has spent 25 years and visited 75+ countries on a single mission: to understand where the best ideas actually come from. He calls himself the Creativity Explorer, and in this conversation with Debra and Ken, he lives up to the title — dismantling assumptions about creativity, sharing stories from Thailand to Bhutan to Vietnam, and leaving you with one deceptively simple challenge that could change how you think forever. You'll hear why a Thai origami artist has never experienced creative anxiety (and what her "idea nap" can teach stressed-out Western teams), why the Norwegian rail company turned a humiliating mistake into their most prized internal award, and why the origin of AI traces back to an African tribe praying with sticks and stones. Fredrik argues that creativity isn't a talent, a technique, or a team-building exercise. It's an inward motion — a path to discovering who you truly are. And the single biggest thing standing in your way? Your ego. Whether you're a leader trying to build a genuinely creative culture, a professional tired of innovation theatre, or simply someone who wants to think differently — this episode will rewire how you see ideas. Keywords: Fredrik Haren, Creativity, Innovation, Leadership, Creative Block, Workplace Culture, Diversity of Thought, Ego, Constraints, Idea Generation, Cross-Cultural Insights, Professional Speaking, Meditation, Personal Development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fredrik Haren and the Origins of a Creativity Explorer 02:33 Creativity Is Different to Different People 03:19 The Problem with "Creative Accounting" 04:02 Insights from 37 Countries on Creativity 05:50 The Thai Origami Artist and the Idea Nap 08:26 Why Creativity Matters — The Second Best Human Feeling 09:59 Hackathons, Belonging and Ideation Empathy 12:39 When Companies Talk Innovation but Punish Mistakes 15:31 The Norwegian Rail Clip — A Lesson in Corporate Humility 16:07 Open the Door to Possibilities 17:08 From Expert to Explorer — A Child's Accidental Rebrand 19:43 Life on Swan Island and the Power of Curiosity 20:21 Paying It Forward in Professional Speaking 22:05 It's Not Copyright, It's Copying Right 24:06 From African Sticks and Stones to AI 27:54 Why We Fail to Copy Good Ideas 28:53 Marry Someone from a Different Culture 30:31 Diversity as a Creativity Superpower 31:30 Stop Blaming Companies — Blame Yourself 32:12 Role Model Creativity as a Leader 33:29 Why Constraints Fuel Better Ideas 35:21 What Gets in the Way — Ego as the Creativity Killer 37:30 Creativity Is an Inward Motion 39:07 T-Shirts, Slogans and Humanity to the Power of Ideas 40:17 Fredrik's One Challenge — Meditate for Five Minutes 42:37 Mortal Ideas vs Divine Ideas 42:54 Where to Find Fredrik Haren

    45 min

  2. 6 MAR

    S2E6 Corey-osity Unleashed with Zach Mercurio

    Employee engagement just hit a decade low -- despite over a billion dollars poured into fixing it. What if the entire industry has been solving the wrong problem? Leadership researcher Zach Mercurio has spent years studying what actually makes people thrive at work. His answer isn't another engagement framework or recognition platform. It's something far more elemental: mattering. The daily experience of feeling seen, heard, valued, and needed by the people around you. His research across 22 industries and thousands of workers reveals a striking pattern -- it's never the perks, the awards, or the programs. It's the micro-moments. A name remembered. A unique strength named. A check-in that has nothing to do with project status. In this conversation, Zach unpacks the three pillars of mattering, explains why "hurry and care can't coexist," and shares one deceptively simple question that has transformed relationships from boardrooms to car rides with teenagers. He also challenges the "toxic employee" label (less than 1.5% of people are actually narcissists), reframes quiet quitting as a natural withdrawal response to feeling insignificant, and makes the case that leadership is a separate occupation -- not something you bolt onto technical expertise. Whether you lead a team of 3 or 3,000, this episode will change how you think about every interaction you have tomorrow. Keywords: Zach Mercurio, Mattering, Leadership, Purpose, Employee Engagement, Meaningfulness, Workplace Culture, Human Connection, Curiosity, Personal Development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Zach Mercurio and His Journey 02:48 The Importance of Mattering in Work and Life 05:57 Understanding the Concept of Mattering 09:01 The Power of Small Interactions 12:00 The Need for Genuine Connection 15:02 The Mattering Deficit in Modern Society 17:58 Re-Skilling for Human Connection 20:55 The Three Pillars of Mattering 23:18 The Importance of Caring and Affirmation 25:30 Understanding Leadership as an Occupation 30:32 Recognizing Signs of Disengagement 36:06 Practical Steps to Foster Mattering 38:56 Curiosity About Mattering in Leadership

    44 min

  3. 20 FEB

    S2E5 Corey-osity Unleashed with Sally Gibson - Creating a Thriving Workplace Culture

    What happens when a company in a small community decides to go all-in on its people — and wins Employer of the Year doing it? Sally Gibson, MD of Dawleys, didn't follow a textbook. She built a culture where employees nominate each other on a "WOW Board," where every single role has its own purpose and mission statement, and where leaders are measured not by how tightly they control — but by how freely they let go. In this episode, Sally reveals the surprisingly simple practices behind Dawleys' award-winning culture: why hiring for attitude beats hiring for skills, how psychological safety turns average teams into exceptional ones, and the recognition programme that costs almost nothing but changed everything. If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like when a business puts people genuinely first — not as a slogan, but as a strategy — this is the conversation you need to hear. Keywords: Dawleys, Sally Gibson, leadership, employee engagement, workplace culture, awards, community responsibility, employee development, recognition programs, customer service Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dawleys and Sally Gibson 02:29 Winning Awards and Recognition 05:06 Creating a Culture of Trust and Safety 07:31 The Importance of Development in Leadership 10:10 Leadership Philosophy and Personal Growth 12:40 Measuring Employee Happiness and Engagement 14:59 The WOW Board and Recognition Practices 17:43 Leadership Journey and Global Experiences 25:33 Recognizing Community Impact 29:35 Building a Supportive Workplace Culture 34:31 Developing Leadership Skills 44:56 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

    52 min

  4. 23 JAN

    S2E4 Corey-osity Unleashed with Dan Greene

    Summary In this conversation, Dan Green discusses the importance of feedback in corporate culture, the concept of Radical Candor, and the essential qualities of great leadership. He emphasizes the need for trust and connection in leadership roles, the significance of giving and receiving feedback, and how military lessons can be applied to modern management practices. The discussion highlights the challenges many leaders face in providing effective feedback and the necessity of fostering a culture of appreciation and open communication. Keywords feedback, leadership, Radical Candor, corporate culture, appreciation, trust, management, communication, employee engagement, military leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dan Green 02:14 Understanding the Feedback Crisis 11:16 The Concept of Radical Candor 17:41 Building a Feedback Culture 23:51 The Importance of Timing in Feedback 24:17 Defining Great Leadership 27:07 Sustainable Leadership vs. Short-Term Success 28:43 Engagement and Team Performance 29:42 Debunking Leadership Myths 32:45 Lessons from Military Leadership 37:49 Building Trust and Connection in Leadership

    49 min

  5. 05/12/2025

    S2E3 Corey-osity Unleashed with Ben Morton

    In this engaging conversation, Ben Morton, a leadership expert, discusses the intersection of AI and leadership. He shares insights on how AI is transforming leadership roles, the essential competencies of great leaders, and the ethical considerations leaders must keep in mind when using AI. The discussion emphasizes the importance of human connection, critical thinking, and the need for leaders to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing their effectiveness rather than replacing their roles. Ben also introduces his AI clone, BenAI, designed to support ongoing learning and development for leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Leadership 05:45 Ben's Journey and Leadership Philosophy 19:12 AI's Impact on Leadership Competencies 26:37 The Risks of AI in Leadership 27:58 What Should Leaders Avoid Delegating to AI? 33:09 The Importance of Embracing AI as a Leader 39:16 Using AI to Enhance Curiosity and Decision-Making 40:08 Introducing BenAI: A Personal AI Clone for Leadership 42:37 The Core Truth of Leadership Keywords AI, leadership, Ben Morton, leadership competencies, AI in business, ethical leadership, critical thinking, management vs leadership, BenAI

    46 min

  6. 15/10/2025

    S2E2 Corey-osity Unleashed with Thomas Erikson

    Chapters 00:57 Exploring ‘Surrounded by Bad Bosses’ 15:01 The Importance of Communication Styles 19:29 Leadership Dynamics and Trust 22:26 The Power of Admitting Uncertainty 25:27 Understanding Leadership and Management 29:30 The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership 32:43 The Need for Purpose in Leadership 36:08 Cultural Expectations of Leadership 40:22 The Disconnect Between Expertise and Leadership Summary In this second part, the focus shifts to *Surrounded by Bad Bosses* and the everyday psychology of working with - and being - a boss. Thomas traces the path from his earlier books to a “two‑books‑in‑one” format that helps managers and employees understand each other’s realities. He argues most bad bosses aren’t malicious - they’re unaware - and makes the case that self‑awareness is the best predictor of leadership effectiveness because it unlocks people skills and clear communication. Using practical analogies (you need two points on the map to plan any journey), he explains why leaders must know their own pace and adapt up or down to meet others. The discussion covers trust, clarity, and accountability; why expertise doesn’t automatically translate into leadership; how to map a team’s colour mix to anticipate friction (Excel vs PowerPoint people); and why leaders must still lead - listening deeply without abdicating decisions. The hosts connect Thomas’s views to their 3 A’s (Awareness, Acceptance, Action), and the group explores creating conversations that seek causes over blame, so issues get solved rather than recycled. Keywords Thomas Erikson, Surrounded by Bad Bosses, leadership, management, trust, communication styles, team dynamics, self-awareness, purpose, clarity, servant leadership debate, mapping team styles, adaptation, psychological safety, expectations, accountability, expertise vs leadership

    43 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    S2E1 Corey-osity Unleashed with Thomas Erikson

    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thomas Erikson and His Work 02:42 The Concept Behind 'Surrounded by Idiots' 07:36 Understanding Personality Colours and Their Impact 12:15 Cultural Differences and Commonalities in Human Behaviour 18:07 Finding the Right Work Environment for Your Personality 23:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Communication 29:19 Navigating Workplace Relationships and Communication Styles 35:31 Understanding Different Management Styles 39:13 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership 40:15 The Evolution of Thomas Erikson's Work 45:28 Connecting with Audiences Through Social Media Summary We kick off Season 2 with a barnstormer of a podcast! It was so big we had to split it into two sections! Today is part 1, where Swedish behaviourist and bestselling author Thomas Erikson introduces *Surrounded by Idiots* and the colour-based interpretation of the DISC model. He explains why the provocative title works as a mirror for our own communication blind spots and why most people are blends of colours rather than single types. The conversation explores universal patterns he’s observed worldwide - despite cultural differences - and practical ways to adapt when you don’t yet know someone’s style (“go green”: talk less, listen more, ask open questions). Thomas contrasts natural style vs work style, warns that long-term over‑adaptation - especially across opposite colours (e.g., red at work, green at home) - can lead to stress and burnout, and encourages people to seek environments where they can thrive. He and the hosts discuss labels vs helpful language, clarity vs endless meetings, and why communication - not process - causes most workplace friction. Thomas shares early-career lessons from being a “lousy boss,” underscores personal responsibility in conflicts, and previews the expanded edition of *Surrounded by Idiots* with added material on motivations/drivers and answers to the most frequent reader questions, refined for a wider audience. Keywords Thomas Erikson, Surrounded by Idiots, personality colours, DISC colours, communication, listening, cultural differences, behaviourism, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, workplace fit, burnout risk, mentoring, adaptation, Finnish culture, clarity, expanded edition

    48 min

  8. 25/07/2025

    S1E10 Corey-osity Unleashed with Grace Judson

    Join hosts Ken and Debra Corey for an eye-opening conversation with Grace Judson – a leadership coach, former Fortune 500 executive (25+ years at EMC, Munich Re, HP), and author of The Five Deadly Shoulds of Office Politics. Grace shares how embracing leadership humility and vulnerability can transform your leadership mindset and team culture. We delve into building a coaching culture where managers coach rather than command, fostering psychological safety so even quiet voices are heard, and empowering your people without falling into common traps. Grace discusses her “three resistance monsters” framework for effective change management, revealing why communicating the “why” of change (not just the how) is critical to gaining buy-in – echoing Simon Sinek’s emphasis on purpose. She also tackles trust and empowerment: why trust is the foundation of any great team, how leaders can rebuild trust after missteps, and how true empowerment involves guidance and clarity (not just tossing people in the deep end). Grace candidly challenges conventional wisdom on office politics and the “deadly shoulds,” showing how to navigate workplace dynamics with authenticity and courage. This episode is packed with real-life stories – from Ken’s own lesson in humility to wisdom from thought leaders like Alan Alda (on listening), Brené Brown (on vulnerability), and Grace Hopper (on leading vs managing). Grace even touches on her OHIMA 2024 keynote on the emotional, people-centric side of change leadership, underscoring the human heart of successful change. Tune in for a masterclass on leading with empathy, clarity, and courage – perfect for senior HR professionals, seasoned executives, and anyone aspiring to lead positive change. Don’t forget to subscribe to Corey-osity Unleashed, leave a review, follow us on LinkedIn, and visit https://stepituphr.com/corey-osityunleashed for more insights and episodes. Keywords: #LeadershipHumility #CoachingCulture #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #LeadershipMindset #OfficePolitics #TeamDynamics #TrustAndEmpowerment #EmployeeEngagement #ChangeLeadership

    46 min
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About

Corey-osity Unleashed isn’t your typical leadership podcast - no corporate fluff, no HR jargon. Just raw, real, and unfiltered conversations about how we can (and should) treat our people in today’s messy, complex workplaces. With our guests, we get curious by challenging the norm and questioning the status quo, exploring and unleashing bold new ways to think and act about people and work. Expect tough truths, honest insights, a few laughs, and maybe even a well-placed swear word or two—because let’s be real, our people deserve better, and our businesses can’t afford to keep getting it wrong

Information

  • Creator
    Debra & Ken Corey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Debra & Ken Corey
  • Show Website
    Corey-osity Unleashed