The Chief Psychology Officer Dr Amanda Potter CPsychol

Ever feel like your brain is stuck on autopilot, falling prey to biases and inefficiencies? Dulcie Swanston and Dr Iain Price join us again, offering enlightening insights into the art of personal effectiveness and the power of neuroplasticity. Through their dynamic exchange, they unveil approaches to work smarter, transforming "imposter syndrome" into manageable "imposter moments," and fostering stronger professional and personal relationships. Their strategies aren't just about productivity; they're about nurturing a reflective mind and using social connections to reshape perceptions of ourselves and our capabilities.

We all grapple with self-doubt and the inner critic, but it's how we turn these experiences into actionable wisdom that counts. This episode takes you through a journey of understanding imposter thinking and provides practical applications to use this awareness in your everyday life. You'll grasp the concept of the 'Sphere of Influence' and how it can streamline your focus on what truly matters. And as we discuss the liberating effects of sorting concerns into areas of control, influence, and acceptance, you'll learn to manage pressure with grace and self-compassion.

But that's not all; we also unlock the secrets of maintaining a childlike imagination in the face of life's complexities. Discover how simple breathing techniques can ignite your cognitive functions, unleash creativity, and propel your personal growth. Guests Dulcie and Iain share personal anecdotes and professional insights that underscore the transformational effects of mindfulness and self-compassion. So tune in, breathe deep, and let this episode guide you toward a more intentional and joyful approach to life's challenges.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk

Have you ever noticed how a simple act of kindness can transform an entire day? 
Dr. Amanda Potter, CEO of Zircon, joins me, Caitlin, on a heart warming expedition through the corridors of compassionate leadership, discussing how friendship and empathy at the top echelons of a company can sculpt a culture of inclusivity and high performance. We navigate the delicate dance of accepting compliments with grace and delve into the science behind kindness, revealing how our brains can become hardwired for empathy through consistent, caring actions. 

Prepare to be enlightened on the nuances of kindness in the workplace, as Amanda and I unravel the threads that connect emotional intelligence to team dynamics and explore the inhibitors that can stifle our best intentions, from stress to unconscious biases. Through candid conversation and personal insights, this episode promises to leave you equipped with practical tools for nurturing an environment brimming with trust and belonging—one thoughtful gesture at a time. Join us and discover how to unleash the transformative power of kindness in your professional sphere, enhancing not just your work life but potentially every interaction you encounter.

Timestamps
Kindness
·       00:00 – Introduction to Kindness
·       01:01 – The best of frenemies
·       02:04 – Honesty; kindness in disguise
·       03:45 – Define kindness:
·       05:06 – It’s all connected; all it takes is to be kind
·       06:08 – Neuroscience!
·       07:17 – It’s far more complex than it looks…
Cruel to be kind
·       08:56 – Tales from the tube
·       09:39 – Gray matters
·       10:36 – Is it better to give than receive?
·       12:05 – Ice Breaker
·       12:47 – Stress: the killer of kindness
·       14:00 – A bias against bias
·       16:18 – I feel good about being good
Enjoy the little things in life
·       17:12 – Should I give Amanda compliments?
·       18:48 – Beyond the Videodrome
·       19:41 – The right environment is key
·       20:16 – Holding the door open
·       21:15 – Kindness is contagious
Customer Service 101
·       22:04 – Balance yourself and put a smile on your face
·       23:03 – The best of ourselves
·       24:37 – A charitable endeavor
·       25:07 – Listen.
·       27:31 – One act of random kindness at a time
·       28:05 – The end.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk

As we navigate the complexities of the workplace, it's essential to foster an environment where every mind is valued for its unique contributions. This episode introduces Dr Ian Iceton, a neurodiversity advocate with a rich HR background and personal ties to the topic. We delve into the importance of language, the evolving understanding of conditions like autism and ADHD, and the role of inclusive communication in developing a supportive corporate culture.
 
 Our discussion with Ian extends beyond mere awareness; we confront the misconceptions that can arise when neurodivergent behaviours are misinterpreted, stressing the need for education and sensitivity towards differences in communication and sensory experiences. We illuminate the unique ways in which neurodivergent individuals may express and perceive emotions, offering insights for managers and colleagues to build truly inclusive teams.
 
 Finally, we celebrate the diverse ways in which we learn and work, acknowledging that what might seem unconventional can be tremendously effective. We champion the idea that embracing cognitive diversity is not only beneficial for neurodivergent individuals but also enriches the entire team. Our conversation with Dr Iceton concludes with actionable advice and resources for those seeking to support neurodiversity in their organisations, ensuring that every employee, regardless of how their brain is wired, has the opportunity to thrive.

Connect with Dr Ian Iceton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-iceton-1865695/

Timestamps
Creating Neuroinclusive Workplaces
·       00:00 – Introduction to Neuroinclusive Workplaces
·       00:40 – Welcome: Dr. Ian Iceton
·       03:34 – Choose your words carefully
·       04:16 – Neurodivergence & Neurodiversity: what’s the difference?
·       09:17 – With open arms
When you look in the mirror…
·       11:05 – Establishing Psychological Safety
·       16:47 – Reading between the lines
·       17:21 – Compassion for your fellow man
·       19:18 – Too many voices in the room…
“Words without thoughts never to heaven go” – William Shakespeare
·       20:07 – Seeing red!
·       21:04 – Words.
·       22:22 – How do you like them apples?
·       25:19 – Imposter Syndrome revisited
·       26:39 – A change in the future
·       27:30 – You can’t say that!
·       28:48 – The invisible subject…
I’ll tell you a story.
·       31:43 – A project long in the making
·       33:06 – I didn’t discriminate, did I?
·       38:29 – The Line Managers can suffer too…
·       40:51 – Dr. Ian Iceton’s contact info
·       41:26 – The end.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk

Why do managers bully their people? What do they hope will happen? What does Psychology and Neuroscience say about bullying at work? In this episode Amanda and Caitlin look at the science, the psychology and the neuroscience to try to unpick this difficult topic. 
This episode title was recommended by Julie Grosvenor from Dudley MBC, at the NW Coaching & Mentoring Conference in November 2023 in Birmingham. Thank you Julie for recommending this episode.

Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/
To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

Timestamps
Why Good Managers Bully
·       00:00 – Introduction to Why Good Managers Bully
·       01:04 – A subject we’re all talking about
·       02:09 – I didn’t want to start the day like this…
·       03:18 – I’m just trying to be nice!
·       04:12 – Hypercriticism
·       05:27 – Yeah; I’m gonna need you to come in on Saturday
·       06:36 – Being a total Gareth Keenan
·       08:31 – You’re your own worst enemy
“My only real motivation is not to be hassled” – Peter Gibbons, Office Space
·       10:03 – Stick and Stick situation
·       11:08 – Why do the managers do this?
·       12:36 – I’m just built differently
·       13:32 – I didn’t know I’m like that…
·       14:53 – The toxic workplace
·       16:35 – Occam’s Razor
·       18:20 – Personal potential to bully
·       19:19 – Neuroscience!
·       20:54 – Look at it from their point of view
Looking beyond objectivity
·       22:18 – It’s stressing me out!
·       22:58 – The hive is against the queen
·       24:47 – Scars don’t just go away
·       26:16 – Let’s talk about it…
·       27:53 – Is it possible to measure bullying?
·       28:24 – Utilize the 360.
·       29:01 – The Importance of Coaching
·       30:08 – The end.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk

With January being the month of tightening our financial belts we are looking at the concept of sunk cost and why we submit to the bias of sunk cost and throw good money after bad? The sunk cost fallacy is a cognitive bias that occurs when people continue to invest in a decision or project based on the resources (time, money, or effort) they have already put into it, despite the evidence suggesting that these investments are no longer rational or beneficial. Why do we do this and how can we stop? Our neuroscience research has the answers.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/
To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/
To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php
For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform as mentioned in this podcast please contact Amanda via email: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk.

Timestamps
Sunk Costs
·       00:00 – Introduction to Sunk Costs
·       01:11 – There’s a moment when this should stop…
·       02:12 – I paid for it; I’m eating it!
·       03:31 – Bad investments
·       04:10 – Confounding Crypto
·       05:05 – Why did I waste my time with Heroes?
·       06:27 – Something will turn around for sure…
I made some mistakes…
·       07:19 – Saving face over money
·       08:03 – Just stop investing in this.
·       09:12 – Neuroscience!
·       09:43 – Looking back in regret
·       10:46 – Reality is a bit blurry
·       11:44 – A rewarding prospect
·       13:03 – It’s too painful to leave it all…
Past blues
·       14:08 – Emotions are running high
·       14:45 – You’re an addict.
·       16:12 – We miss you Matt…
·       16:49 – Cognitive Dissonance
·       17:57 – Don’t dwell on the past too much
·       19:08 – Egomania
The Body Pit
·       20:26 – The hardest part… is letting go
·       22:03 – This is going to hurt
·       23:10 – Functional Stupidity revisited
·       23:45 – Moving on
·       25:18 – Keeping an eye on the future
·       25:46 – The end.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk

Trust is the foundation to Psychological Safety, and Psychologically Safe teams are more likely to speak up challenge and ask questions, thus creating more innovative solutions and improving team performance. Does this mean therefore that trust is the foundation of team performance? In this episode of The Chief Psychology Officer we look at the importance of trust at work, and what teams can do to improve the levels of trust at work.

Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/
To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/
To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php
For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform as mentioned in this podcast please contact Amanda via email: hello@betalent.com.

Timestamps
Trust & Psychological Safety
·       00:00 – Introduction to Trust & Psychological Safety
·       01:03 – For 5 letters, it is a broad topic…
·       02:01 – Black, white or gray?
·       03:02 – I trust you, to be late
·       04:30 – 3 minutes is a learning tool
Trust in me
·       05:19 – What does Cognitive trust look like?
·       06:38 – A total trust of the heart!
·       07:20 – The best of both
·       08:12 – I don’t want to spook the markets, or people for that matter.
·       10:37 – It’s about connection
·       11:44 – We create our own image
·       13:01 – Hotels won’t miss what we take
Slowly and surely your senses…
·       13:55 – Predictability
·       15:06 – Oxytocin; let there be lov- sorry, trust
·       17:18 – A mother knows…
·       18:16 – The part of the brain that makes you… you.
·       20:00 – Trigger happy trust
·       21:00 – Switch yourself on; people will trust you more
·       22:17 – If you say gullible really slowly, it sounds like chicken
·       24:19 – Trust in the workplace
·       27:02 – Trust is global, it’s just different types where you go
·       28:47 – Respect cultures!
Shut your eyes, and trust in me.
·       29:58 – One eye where you are, another where you want to go
·       30:44 – 評判
·       32:20 – Following the leader
·       33:34 – Neurodiversity preview
·       35:52 – Goodbye Mr. Chep
·       37:27 – Applying the Trust Equation
·       38:29 – Final thoughts?
·       39:15 – The end.
Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/

To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zircon-consulting-ltd/

To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://zircon-mc.co.uk/zircon-white-papers.php

For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: TheCPO@zircon-mc.co.uk