The Culture Shift

Culture Shift

Welcome to The Culture Shift, the podcast that empowers people leaders to drive impactful change in their workplace. Join host Vicki Baars, a transformation specialist in equality, diversity, and inclusion, as she delves deep into the fascinating world of workplace culture. In each episode, Vicki sits down with a diverse array of incredible guests, including members of the Culture Shift team and industry experts, to explore a wide range of topics. From fostering inclusive environments to driving innovation and navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern organizations, The Culture Shift provides the knowledge, tools, and inspiration you need to create more inclusive workplace wellbeing and tackle workplace bullying. Our thought-provoking conversations challenge conventional thinking and spark new ideas, all while guiding you on a journey to make a lasting impact in your organization. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a curious individual looking to make a difference, The Culture Shift is for you. Join us on this transformative journey, where we believe that every workplace can be a force for positive change. Together, we can reshape the culture and create workplaces that thrive on equality, respect, and belonging. Welcome to The Culture Shift! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Prioritising Employee Wellbeing in Small Businesses: Ilona Alcock on Avoiding Burnout,Hustle Culture & Bringing your whole self to work.

    12/06/2023

    Prioritising Employee Wellbeing in Small Businesses: Ilona Alcock on Avoiding Burnout,Hustle Culture & Bringing your whole self to work.

    In this episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars welcomes Ilona Alcock, co-founder and director of Elevate, a dynamic network dedicated to supporting purpose-driven organisations. Ilona shares her insightful journey in launching Elevate amidst the pandemic, focusing on elevating inclusivity and collaboration across diverse sectors. The episode highlights the crucial role of building trust and safe work environments where employees feel comfortable expressing their feelings and discussing external factors impacting their work. Ilona and Vicki then tackle the pressures inherent in startup culture, with Iona recounting her transition from employment to self-employment and her commitment to fostering a healthy, non-toxic work culture at Elevate. Listeners will gain insights into Elevate's varied daily operations, from organising events to conducting training programs, illustrating the organisation's dynamic nature. The episode also explores how Elevate's principles of wellbeing and purpose-driven work influence the practices of the organisations they collaborate with, leading to more diverse and sustainable practices. The conversation also touches on work-life integration, the avoidance of burnout, and shifts in work culture during the pandemic, emphasising the need for authenticity and balance. Further, the discussion delves into the evolving dynamics of the workplace, the importance of employee wellbeing, and the trend towards more flexible and respectful work environments. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing innovative work practices and the role of informal communication channels in adapting to various working styles. It culminates in a profound discussion on redefining work, engaging employees meaningfully, and the potential impact of a four-day workweek on employee wellbeing and productivity. Join us in this enlightening episode with Ilona, where we uncover the essence of creating a purpose-driven, inclusive, and sustainable work culture. Stay Connected: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift Connect with our host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/ Reach out to Ilona: View Ilona Alcock’s profile Stay Informed: https://share.hsforms.com/1wxV7qbNNTFqnDpE8NyQRqg19u31 For more insights and resources, visit our website: https://culture-shift.co.uk/podcast/ Tune in to this compelling episode and be part of the conversation shaping the future of work and organisational culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  2. Expert on Systemic Oppression: "EDI training can be harmful to liberation", Authentic Workplace Equality Initiatives with Dr Christopher Owen

    11/22/2023

    Expert on Systemic Oppression: "EDI training can be harmful to liberation", Authentic Workplace Equality Initiatives with Dr Christopher Owen

    In this episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars sits down with Christopher Owen, the Inclusivity Development Manager for Manchester Pride. Christopher brings his unique perspective from his journey in intersectional systemic oppression studies and his impactful consulting work in equality and diversity. Christopher explores the nuances of genuine equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, moving beyond superficial efforts. He critiques commonplace diversity gestures like hosting tokenistic events for LGBTQ+ employees during Pride Month and sheds light on the often limited resources allocated to such initiatives within organisations. This episode delves deep into the importance of understanding the history and ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, rather than simply celebrating Pride Month superficially. Christopher discusses the myth of meritocracy and how beliefs in a fair, merit-based system often mask the real barriers to advancement in the workplace. Listeners will gain insights into real-world examples, like how mentorship can play a crucial role in addressing systemic issues and aiding career advancement. The episode also highlights the paradoxes of unconscious bias training and its unintended consequences, as well as the impact of UK government policies on trans individuals' healthcare access. Christopher and Vicki also discuss the All Equals Charter's thorough accreditation process and the 'Getting Started' program for organisations beginning their journey towards inclusivity. They address the challenges professionals face in engaging inclusively with marginalised communities and identify common workplace practices that inadvertently reinforce systemic barriers. This episode is not just a conversation but an invaluable resource for understanding and challenging systemic oppression in the professional world. Stay Connected: Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/admin/feed/posts/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShiftConnect with Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/Reach out to Christopher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecjowen/Stay Informed: For more insights and resources, visit our website: Culture-shift.co.uk Join us in this enlightening discussion and be part of a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  3. Internal Comms: Advita Patel on the secret weapon to landing ED&I in your workplace.

    11/08/2023

    Internal Comms: Advita Patel on the secret weapon to landing ED&I in your workplace.

    In this episode of The Culture Shift, Vicki Baars sits down with Advita Patel to explore the link between internal communications and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in the workplace. Advita, co-author of "Building a Culture of Inclusivity" and founder of Comms Rebel brings her expert knowledge in internal communications to the table. They discuss how internal comms can be leveraged to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. In this enlightening conversation, Advita Patel unveils her journey from early writing aspirations to becoming an emblem of inclusivity and effective communication in organisations. The dialogue delves into the critical role of aligning communication strategies with organisational goals, unconscious bias, fostering productive disagreements, personalised communication and the dangers of living in a digital world. Through the lens of Advita's extensive experience this episode illuminates the transformative power of internal communication in nurturing a culture of inclusivity. Advita's narrative encapsulates the essence of bridging organisational strategies with communication to promote diversity, equity, and meaningful connections within the professional realm. Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/ and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. How To Find Joy At Work, with  Yvonne Alozie Obi: Organisation Psychology, Personal Growth & Self Reflection

    10/25/2023

    How To Find Joy At Work, with Yvonne Alozie Obi: Organisation Psychology, Personal Growth & Self Reflection

    Did you know that happy employees are 31% more productive than their unhappy counterparts? So, how can one find joy in their everyday work? In the 6th episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by the insightful Yvonne Alozie Obi. Together, they delve into the intricacies of finding happiness in our professional lives. Yvonne is the Global Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at Standard Chartered Bank, has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of D&I. With a background in Organisational Psychology, she emphasises the critical importance of psychological safety, personal growth and how it is deeply intertwined with the relationships we share with both our employees and employers. Many professionals struggle to identify what truly brings them joy at work. This episode aims to equip listeners with the perspectives and tools to rediscover those moments of joy and satisfaction. Stay connected and join the conversation with us on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/culture-shift-communications-ltd/mycompany/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShiftVicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/Yvonne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnealozieobi/ Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our mailing list: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list For more insights and resources, visit our website at: Culture-shift.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  5. Is HR doing enough to support disabled employees in the workplace? with Emily Abbott

    09/27/2023

    Is HR doing enough to support disabled employees in the workplace? with Emily Abbott

    What are HR doing to support employees with disabilities in the workplace? Do you have the policies and reasonable adjustments in place to understand the breadth of physical and psychological differences in each individual you hire? In the 4th episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by our very own Emily Abbott, Chief of Staff at Culture Shift. She shares her career journey and how she found fulfilment in working for a mission-led organisation. Emily shares personal experience living with epilepsy and chronic illness, highlighting the importance of workplace support and accommodations. Workplaces often don't understand the complex impacts of chronic illnesses on employees, leading to false economy and detrimental outcomes. Disclosure rates are low due to lack of safety and comfort in disclosing disabilities, leading to missed opportunities for support and accommodations. Dive into this episode and further your understanding of the modern workplace and its evolving dynamics. Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/ Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new podcasts: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  6. What is REAL Psychological Safety? Chelsea Maher on Millennial leadership, role modelling and authenticity.

    08/30/2023

    What is REAL Psychological Safety? Chelsea Maher on Millennial leadership, role modelling and authenticity.

    What does psychological safety mean in the modern workplace? How do generational differences shape the way we manage people and what can we learn from the experiences of those in the field? In the second episode of The Culture Shift, host Vicki Baars is joined by Chelsea Maher, head of marketing at Culture Shift with a wealth of insights into team dynamics and people management. Together, they delve deep into the nuances of psychological safety, the do's and don'ts of managing large teams, and the unique challenges that different generations face when it comes to leadership. Chelsea shares her personal journey as a marketer, highlighting the importance of nurturing team members rather than pushing for immediate results. Through engaging stories and critical insights, our conversation tackles the challenges and solutions for creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, understood, and safe. Dive into this episode and further your understanding of the modern workplace and its evolving dynamics. Want to join the conversation? Stay connected with us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10000836/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKCultureShift Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseamaher/ Vicki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baars-a061ab71/ Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about new podcasts: https://info.culture-shift.co.uk/podcast-mailing-list and visit our website at https://culture-shift.co.uk/ for more information and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

About

Welcome to The Culture Shift, the podcast that empowers people leaders to drive impactful change in their workplace. Join host Vicki Baars, a transformation specialist in equality, diversity, and inclusion, as she delves deep into the fascinating world of workplace culture. In each episode, Vicki sits down with a diverse array of incredible guests, including members of the Culture Shift team and industry experts, to explore a wide range of topics. From fostering inclusive environments to driving innovation and navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern organizations, The Culture Shift provides the knowledge, tools, and inspiration you need to create more inclusive workplace wellbeing and tackle workplace bullying. Our thought-provoking conversations challenge conventional thinking and spark new ideas, all while guiding you on a journey to make a lasting impact in your organization. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or a curious individual looking to make a difference, The Culture Shift is for you. Join us on this transformative journey, where we believe that every workplace can be a force for positive change. Together, we can reshape the culture and create workplaces that thrive on equality, respect, and belonging. Welcome to The Culture Shift! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.