Life Beyond The Numbers

Susan Ni Chriodain
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What really makes work-life fulfilling? Through stories, reflections and insights from leaders, thinkers and creatives, we shine a light on the invisible forces that shape our work lives — what it means to be human. This isn’t just something to tune into — it’s something to attune to. Hosted by award-winning author Susan Ní Chríodáin, Life Beyond the Numbers is for people who care about people. Because while numbers matter — people matter more.

  1. Healthy High Performance - Sheila Walsh (From the Archives)

    6D AGO

    Healthy High Performance - Sheila Walsh (From the Archives)

    "We're really focused on the core fundamentals of organisational clarity, communicating that clarity, over-communicating that clarity, minimising confusion and politics. And when that's present, then you have the good stuff. And for me, the good stuff is that you're creating that environment for people to flourish and thrive." Sheila Walsh.    Sheila Walsh takes me through the tumultuous year in a tech company in the travel sector. We talk about keeping teams engaged when everyone is remote working and about the lack of spontaneity in a remote environment. Sheila talks about what it is like to work in a people-centric organisation that is driven by the Leadership Team and cascaded down - the LT have a team coach and no chance to get comfortable or complacent. She shares that CarTrawler has upgraded its high-performance focus to 'healthy high-performance'.  We talk about finding meaning and purpose, rabbit-holes, pixie-dust, growth mindset, learning and more.     Sheila Walsh was Chief People Officer at CarTrawler at the time of recording. A hands-on and motivated HR professional, Sheila has a broad range of experience across many sectors including; software, telco, publishing, healthcare and not-for-profit. She strongly believes that the provision of meaning and purpose within the workplace results in engaged employees who live and breathe the behaviours that support sustained business success. She holds an MBS in Business Practice from University College Cork, is an accredited Life Coach & Lifeskills Consultant and is an associate member of CIPD.     Connect with Sheila: On LinkedIn   Resources: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni

    33 min
  2. To Be Heard - Deirdre de Bhailís

    JAN 28

    To Be Heard - Deirdre de Bhailís

    "So it's just giving people multiple ways to feed into this and to be heard. To be heard is the most important thing, is what I've learned." Deirdre de Bhailís   Deirdre de Bhailís and I talk about what it really takes for change to happen in communities — and why being heard matters so much when people are navigating uncertainty, sustainability, and the future of the places they live. Prompted by the Dingle Peninsula being named Ireland’s Greenest Place, our conversation explores local action on climate, food, transport and livelihoods and how community-led work connects policy with lived reality. Deirdre shares examples from the Dingle Hub, including quiet lanes, cycling, food waste, renewable energy, and the role of trust in making change stick. We also discuss the role of leadership in communities, the importance of pacing change and creating spaces where difficult conversations can be held without fear. From coastal resilience in the Maharees to sustaining livelihoods on the Dingle Peninsula this is a conversation about people taking responsibility for the long-term future of the places they live.   Deirdre de Bhailís is a nationally-recognised leader in social enterprise and community-led innovation, with a comprehensive knowledge of strategic and operational development. Skilled in multi-stakeholder and community engagement, she contributes significantly to advancing Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon society by empowering citizens and communities to co-create practical, scalable solutions. Her work spans sustainable mobility, circular bioeconomy initiatives, and climate resilience—bridging policy, technology, and grassroots action. Deirdre brings a systems-thinking approach to energy transition, ensuring that community voices shape a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future. She is a frequent speaker at national and international forums on climate action, rural development, and energy innovation. Deirdre holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from NUIG and a Masters in Engineering Science from UCC. Connect with Deirdre www.dinglehub.com On Instagram: dingle_hub On LinkedIn: Dingle Hub; Deirdre de Bhailís   Resources Mentioned: The Irish Times article The Dingle Hub  Ireland’s Greenest Place Award  Quiet Lanes - Campaign to Protect Rural England Samsø, Denmark — example of community-led renewable energy The Maharees coastal conservation Creative Ireland  Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) / Sustainable Energy Communities Initiative Solar Beo — local solar PV provider on the Dingle Peninsula ESB Networks / Electric Ireland

    46 min
  3. This Universal Human Experience - Rachel Morris

    JAN 14

    This Universal Human Experience - Rachel Morris

    "For me, the human experiences is a universal one and the book aims to address core aspects of something that we all experience. So fear, learning boundaries, identity, all those different principles. [ ] So this universal human experience, I think is really, really important." Rachel Morris   Rachel Morris and I explore what she describes as this universal human experience — the fear, uncertainty, identity shifts and emotional complexity that show up whenever humans move through transition. Drawing on her book Working Mother and years of practice-based research, Rachel shares why the principles she writes about aren’t just relevant to parents, but to leaders, teams, and anyone navigating change at work. We talk about the discomfort of the “neutral zone”, why emotions thrive when hidden, the illusion of professionalism, and the cost of rewarding busyness over being. This conversation invites a more human way of leading — one rooted in curiosity, courage, emotional literacy, and the recognition that we’re not meant to navigate life or work alone.   As an experienced qualified coach, Rachel Morris supports professionals to gain clarity about who they really are rightnow, where they are aiming to be, and how they are going toget there. She believes every relationship has a unique dynamic andapproaches every learner with the intention of enabling themto reach their own level of internal satisfaction. In doing this,they increase personal focus, motivation and productivity. As a global business coach and bestselling author she brings20 years of coaching experience working with organisations to any conversation. Connect with Rachel Through her website: www.motionlearning.com On LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/rachelmorrismotionlearning   Resources Mentioned Working Mother by Rachel Morris How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett Permission to Feel & RULER tool by Professor Marc Brackett  A House of Dynamite on Netflix New York Times article https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/21/opinion/teen-youth-focus-group.html

    48 min
  4. The Space Between - Dr Susanne Evans, David Lee and Me

    12/28/2025

    The Space Between - Dr Susanne Evans, David Lee and Me

    "It's not an emptiness or a void, it's actually full of possibility. And once I started to explore it, how they explained it, the Japanese concept is about when you listen to music, there's always space between the notes. And then if you apply that to a book or a page, there's always space between the words. So that space, that white space, another way of describing, it is necessary." Susan Ni Chriodain   David, Susanne and I come together for a wide-ranging conversation about liminal spaces - the spaces between words, seasons, endings and beginnings. We explore why these in-between moments matter, why we often rush to fill them, and what becomes possible when we allow pause, uncertainty and not-knowing. The conversation covers: seasons and transitions in life and in work endings that haven’t fully ended listening, silence and the courage to say “I don’t know” This episode is an invitation to notice what we usually overlook and to consider what might emerge when we willingly inhabit the space between. Dr Susanne Evans is an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher on a mission to change the way that transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way. As well as writing and speaking about organisation change, Susanne hosts open storytelling workshops, supporting organisations and individuals in writing a compelling story for themselves. She is the author of ChangeStories and the host of the popular ChangeStories podcast.   David Lee is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and author, who loves creating a win/win/win relationship between people and the organizations they work for. He helps leaders and leadership teams learn how to become "people whisperers", and by doing so, increase their ability to make their organization THE choice for "A List Talent" and inspire the best in their people.   Connect with Susanne On LinkedIn Through her website: Feldspar Consulting Listen to Change Stories podcast   Connect with David On LinkedIn  Through his website Human Nature at Work   Resources Mentioned: Dr Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go The In-Between Book, Christopher Willard, Olivia Weisser, Alison Oliver Tending To Endings Cards https://www.tendingtoendings.com/

    1h 6m
  5. If We Can Do Good - Max MacGillivray

    12/14/2025

    If We Can Do Good - Max MacGillivray

    "I'm only a small cog in this. I'm developing this thought about trying to do good, but we can't all do it alone. If we can all collectively hold hands and all just have this thought that if we can do good in this world… I do think that there's a lot to be said for farming and fresh produce because it's feeding the world in a sustainable manner and it's doing good." Max MacGillivray   Max MacGillivray and I begin with stories about fresh produce and taste memories, before moving into how society has become disconnected from where food comes from. We explore farming as a vocation, global food systems, ultra-processed foods, health outcomes, education and the role of large food multinationals. We also discuss recruitment and leadership within agriculture and fresh produce, cross-sector learning, the value of conversation and storytelling and why showing the human side of food production matters. We reflect on travel, networking as human connection and the opportunities that open up when people step beyond familiar paths. Max MacGillivray is an executive recruiter and founder of Redfox Executive Selection, specialising in mid-management to board hires across fresh produce, fresh foods, agri-business and retail in the UK and internationally. He created The Great Fruit & Veg Adventure—a Triumph motorbike ride from London to Cape Town (18 countries, 18,000 km), visiting 50+ fresh-produce businesses, followed in real time by 250,000 schoolchildren, and honoured with the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light award. Max also founded Beanstalk Global, a media platform for the international fresh-food sector. Its mantra: “Create the conversation, don’t just be part of it.” Through broadcasts, interviews and partnerships, Beanstalk Global champions the people behind fresh food and connects purpose-led clients with high-impact opportunities. Connect with Max Through his website www.beanstalk.global   https://www.facebook.com/beanstalk.global On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmacgillivray/ https://www.beanstalkmedia.co.uk/   Resources Mentioned: Jeremy Clarkson and increasing public interest in farming and agriculture Henry Dimbleby and the UK National Food Strategy Pink Lady Apples  International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and the International Fresh Produce & Floral Show (Anaheim) Leaf Open Farm Sunday – UK farming initiative

    46 min
  6. A New Type of Thinking - Marsha Ramroop

    11/28/2025

    A New Type of Thinking - Marsha Ramroop

    "A new type of thinking is essential if humankind is to survive and reach higher levels." Marsha Ramroop (quoting Einstein)   Marsha Ramroop explains how her purpose, giving the unheard voice a place to speak, first emerged during her broadcasting career, and how it now shapes her work in cultural intelligence and organisational change. We explore inclusion and why under-representation is a symptom of deeper cultural and behavioural issues. Marsha introduces Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and its four capabilities, showing how they help us work and relate effectively across difference. We also discuss the wider context of global uncertainty, polarisation and the need for, as Marsha quotes, “a new type of thinking”. Throughout, she emphasises personal responsibility, listening with intent, and the impact small behavioural shifts can have on teams, organisations and society. This conversation is packed, practical and human - an invitation to look inward, listen more deeply and consider the behaviours that help everyone feel valued, respected and included. Marsha Ramroop is a global award-winning organisational inclusion strategist, author, and speaker with a passion for driving change across sectors - particularly in the built and natural environments - with her own consultancy Unheard Voice. Marsha’s book Building Inclusion: Practical Guide to Inclusion in Architecture & the Built Environment speaks about how to deliver inclusion; how we attract a diversity of people to our professions and organisations, retain that diversity, create inclusion in our services and engage external stakeholders inclusively. It was Highly Commended in the 2025 Business Book Awards. She had a 30-year career in broadcasting, bringing inclusion to BBC newsrooms through journalism, before turning to organisational culture consultancy. Connect with Marsha Through her websites www.unheardvoice.co.uk   www.buildinginclusion.info LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsharamroop Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marsharamroop/   Resources Building Inclusion by Marsha Ramroop Marcus Ryder & Lenny Henry — Manifesto for TV and Beyond (UK demographic data from the Office for National Statistics) Dale Carnegie — How to Win Friends and Influence People Paulo Freire & Adam Rutherford The Doomsday Clock Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin Business Book Awards 2025

    49 min
  7. The Power of Proximity - Dave Delaney

    11/14/2025

    The Power of Proximity - Dave Delaney

    “But getting back to the power of proximity, let's say I would meet people on Twitter … then we would all go to South by Southwest Interactive, the big tech conference in Austin … Suddenly we'd meet in person and as I wrote about in my book, it's hugs, high fives, handshakes.” Dave Delaney   Dave Delaney joins me to talk about the thing that most connects us - communication. From improv stages to keynote stages, from podcasting to parenting, Dave’s career has been about helping people connect with humour, heart and humanity. We talk about the roots of communication, how “nice and” can change a workplace, and what happens when we forget that listening is about understanding, not just replying. Dave shares insights on how improv principles like acceptance and curiosity can transform teamwork and leadership. We also explore networking and the power of proximity: why meeting in person still matters more than ever in an age of AI and automation. And yes, we even touch on the slightly alarming prospect of not knowing whether your boss (or TV presenter) is human.   Dave Delaney is a communication expert, keynote speaker, author, and host of the ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast.   Connect with Dave To connect with Dave use this link: https://davedelaney.me/linkage   Resources Mentioned New Business Networking by Dave Delaney Wise Squirrels Podcast hosted by Dave Delaney

    48 min
  8. The Unique Story of Everybody - Blanka Campbell

    10/28/2025

    The Unique Story of Everybody - Blanka Campbell

    “80 years ago, the Institute for Functional Medicine started collecting the data, doing the research, and that's their number one priority, that it's really evidence-based and you will have clinical studies for everything. But then they also wanted it to be patient-centred. They wanted to listen to the unique story of everybody." Blanka Campbell   Blanka Campbell and I talk about the wisdom — and limits — of listening to our body. A functional nutritionist and wellbeing coach, Blanka helps people understand their health through the lens of functional nutrition and everyday life. We talk about eating the rainbow, chaos in the gut and why every symptom tells part of a bigger story. Blanka reminds us that it’s not enough to simply listen — we have to translate what we hear into choices that support balance, energy and focus. Blanka reminds us that health isn’t about perfection — it’s about function, balance, and care. And that wellbeing isn’t something we add on; it’s the way we live.    Blanka Campbell is a functional medicine practitioner and holistic nutritionist, a hormone yoga therapist (Dinah Rodrigues), and a single mum of two teenagers trying to balance it all.    Connect with Blanka Through her website www.blankacampbell.com where you will find all the links to social media   Resources Mentioned The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Biocare, UK, for supplements Sam Allen, episode 120 Reconnecting

    52 min
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About

What really makes work-life fulfilling? Through stories, reflections and insights from leaders, thinkers and creatives, we shine a light on the invisible forces that shape our work lives — what it means to be human. This isn’t just something to tune into — it’s something to attune to. Hosted by award-winning author Susan Ní Chríodáin, Life Beyond the Numbers is for people who care about people. Because while numbers matter — people matter more.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Ni Chriodain
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    219
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Life Beyond The Numbers