Work Reimagined

Lee Ward
  • 4.8 (4)
  • MANAGEMENT

Welcome to Work Reimagined - the podcast where we explore the big questions about how work really works. Each episode, we welcome a guest reimagining the world of work to explore ways to make the experience of work better for everyone. Whether you’re a leader driving change or an employee seeking more fulfilment, Work Reimagined aims to inspire fresh thinking and practical ideas to improve work for all. It’s time to reimagine the way we work, for better work and better people.

  1. 14/10/2025

    Breaking Free From The Culture Trap with Dr Jeanne Hardacre

    In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward engages with Dr. Jeanne Hardacre to explore the complexities of workplace culture, particularly focusing on the concept of the 'culture trap.' They discuss how well-intentioned individuals can inadvertently contribute to toxic work environments and the emotional dynamics at play. Dr. Hardacre introduces her H-U-M-A-N framework as a practical approach to transforming workplace relationships and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their contributions to workplace dynamics. Takeaways Workplace culture significantly impacts employee well-being and productivity.The 'culture trap' refers to conditioned beliefs that hinder collaboration.Self-protective behaviours can disrupt team dynamics and trust.Honesty at work is essential for developing a positive culture.Disrupting the status quo is necessary for meaningful change.The H-U-M-A-N framework offers a practical approach to improving workplace culture.Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in workplace interactions.Leaders must facilitate open conversations to build trust.Small changes in behaviour can lead to significant cultural shifts.Every individual has the potential to positively influence workplace culture.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Culture Trap 04:12 Understanding the Culture Trap 12:24 Escaping the Culture Trap 17:29 The H-U-M-A-N Framework 24:32 Real-World Applications and Outcome Links to explore this topic more: Dr Jeanne Hardacre About Us - BeTheCultureChange™Be The Culture Change website BeTheCultureChange™ The Culture Trap Book The Culture Trap: Practical ways to improve your influence, relationships and culture – for leaders and teams: Amazon.co.uk: Hardacre, Dr Jeanne: 9781068572401: Books

    28 min

  2. 23/09/2025

    The Future of Work Isn't Human vs AI - Its Human with AI with Atreya Chaganty

    AI is no longer sitting on the sidelines of work. It’s becoming part of the team. In this episode, Lee Ward speaks with Atreya Chaganty, CEO of Quantanite, about how AI is reshaping the workplace and why the real opportunity lies in bringing humans and AI together, not pitting them against each other. They discuss: Why trust in AI (and trust in each other) matters What changes when organisations see AI as a collaborator, not just a tool How leaders can rethink “efficiency” and start imagining new possibilities If you’re curious about what it takes to integrate AI into your team and what it means for the human side of work this conversation is for you.

    27 min

  3. 29/07/2025

    Performance Management is Broken - Here Is How to Fix It with Irial O’Farrell

    Performance management: two words that often trigger dread. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Irial O’Farrell - leadership expert, author, and organisational development consultant - to explore how performance management can evolve into something far more meaningful andmotivating. Together, they explore: Why performance management has such a bad reputationThe fears managers and employees share (but rarely talkabout)How clarity, expectations, and development can shift thenarrativePractical ways to make performance conversations more human and helpfulWhether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply someone who wants to make work better, this episode offers a fresh, actionable perspective. Check out Irial’s work: Books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Irial-OFarrell/author/B007GX1QIO?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Blog - https://irialofarrell.wordpress.com/about/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irialofarrell/?originalSubdomain=ie

    26 min

  4. 15/07/2025

    What If We’ve Been Thinking About Behaviour All Wrong? with David Hodges, The People Geek

    In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by David Hodges - also known as The People Geek - to explore a concept that could fundamentally shift how we think about leadership, learning, and behaviour at work: ecological psychology. David explains why behaviour isn’t just about the person - it’s about the task they’re doing and the environment they’re doing it in. This perspective offers a powerful new lens for leadership development, team dynamics, and behaviour change. We discuss: Why “all behaviour is someone doing something somewhere”How leaders can become more attuned to the environments they shapeWhat this means for learning design, coaching, and cultureAnd there is even a chat about how the films Inside Out and The Terminator both help explain it all! This episode is thought-provoking, practical, and might justchange the way you lead. Connect with David: The People Geek Blog on Substack - https://substack.com/@peoplegeekakadavehodgesDavid Hodges on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hodges-217b8b4/

    29 min

  5. 01/07/2025

    Why Mental Health at Work Needs More Than Good Intentions with Tom Oxley

    The Mental Health Conversation Every Workplace Needs In this episode of Work Reimagined, Lee Ward is joined by Tom Oxley from Bamboo Mental Health to explore how organisations can better support mental health at work. Drawing from his own lived experience and years of working with businesses, Tom shares what it really takes to move beyond surface-level support and get to the root of what people need. Tune in to discover: Why mental health support needs to go deeper than policies and perksWhat organisations doing this well have in commonHow leaders can create space for honest conversationsWhy continuing this conversation is more important than everFollow and connect with Tom and his work: Bamboo Health: Bamboo Mental Health | Workplace Mental Health Consultants LinkedIn Profile: Tom Oxley | LinkedIn Tom’s Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/G0XUimJbz44?si=nm JO2YG9FrGzrON

    27 min

  6. 17/06/2025

    What If Everyone Loved Work? Fraser Duncumb on Reimagining Engagement

    In this episode of Work Reimagined, host Lee Ward is joined by Fraser Duncumb from Wotter - a company on a mission to build a world where everyone loves work. Together, they explore what employee engagement really means, why it’s critical for organisational success, and how it goes far beyond annual surveys or HR-led initiatives. Fraser shares insights into Wotter’s bold vision, the power of real-time employee feedback, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel genuinely connected and excited to contribute. Plus, he delivers a stirring call to action for anyone looking to build a better workplace.  Whether you’re a leader, a people professional, or just someone who cares about making work better, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration you won’t want to miss. Tune in to discover: Why traditional engagement surveys fall shortHow to treat employees as equals, not data pointsWhat it really takes to build a culture people love To connect with Fraser or find out more Wotter and their work: Wotter https://wotter.ai/ Fraser Duncumb https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraserduncumb/

    29 min

  7. 03/06/2025

    Your Culture Might Not Be What You Think It Is with Sarah McLellan

    What really defines a workplace culture? In this episode, Lee Ward is joined by Sarah McLellan from Make It Human to explore why culture isn’t about mission statements or team-building days – it’s about the everyday behaviours that shape how people feel and work together. Together, they explore: What workplace culture actually is (and isn’t)Why small, consistent actions matter more than big gesturesHow to spot the behaviours that are reinforcing your current cultureWhat leaders and teams can do to shift culture in meaningful waysWhether you're a leader, HR professional, or just curious about how to build a better workplace, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what it really means to "make it human." Sarah McLellan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmclellan/ Book: Make It Human: A vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Human-happier-healthier-workplaces/dp/1785908758 Make it Human website https://www.make-it-human.com/

    30 min

  8. 13/05/2025

    Fewer Meetings, Bigger Impact: Why We’re Getting Collaboration All Wrong with Dr Carrie Goucher

    Meetings: we’re all in them, but are they really working? In this episode of Work Reimagined, I’m joined by Dr Carrie Goucher - a systems engineering expert and founder of Fewer, Faster, Bolder. With over 20 years of experience driving culture change at organisations like the NHS, BBC Worldwide, BP, and Pfizer, Carrie is on a mission to reimagine how we meet and collaborate. We explore why traditional meetings are stuck in the past, why agendas aren’t the silver bullet we’ve been led to believe, and how rethinking meetings could unlock a huge white space for organisational improvement. Carrie shares practical steps for individuals and leaders to make meetings more focused, energising, and impactful. If your calendar is filled with back-to-back meetings or you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to get any real work done, this episode is for you. 🔗 Explore Carrie’s Work: Fewer, Faster, Bolder - FewerFasterBolder meetingsFriction Free Newsletter - FrictionFree Collaboration - profound concepts, ready-to-go techniquesListen now to discover how transforming meetings could transform your work.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Work Reimagined - the podcast where we explore the big questions about how work really works. Each episode, we welcome a guest reimagining the world of work to explore ways to make the experience of work better for everyone. Whether you’re a leader driving change or an employee seeking more fulfilment, Work Reimagined aims to inspire fresh thinking and practical ideas to improve work for all. It’s time to reimagine the way we work, for better work and better people.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Ward
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lee Ward
  • Show Website
    Work Reimagined