The Vibrant Workplace Podcast

Craig Thompson
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Hosted by Craig Thompson, this is the show where we explore how to build a better working world with leading employers & industry thought leaders. - Jobseekers wanting to work for elite companies should tune in for *evidenced* insights into life in the world’s best (following their completion of our Vibrant Workplace Accelerator) - Employers wanting their organisation to become a vibrant place to work (which attracts, engages & retains the most talented people) can learn how This is the *exclusive* podcast for Vibrant Workplaces. For more info visit: vibranttalent.co.uk Enjoy tuning in!

  1. Sep 2

    160 Years of the Employers Federation | Michelle McGinley & Karen Moore | Ep.38: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

    What does an employers' organisation founded 160 years ago look like in 2026? In this episode Craig is joined by Michelle McGinley, Managing Director of the Employers Federation, and Karen Moore, Head of Training, to explore an organisation with an extraordinary history – and a role that continues to evolve alongside the world of work. We explore where the Employers Federation came from, what it actually does today and how it supports organisations across Northern Ireland, before getting into some of the biggest issues facing employers right now. We discuss the proposed Good Jobs Bill, the Federation's position on the changes and how they believe we can balance stronger employment protections with the realities facing employers. We also get into the relationship between employers and trade unions, how industrial relations have changed, and whether the two sides are really as far apart as they're sometimes portrayed. And after 160 years of workplace change, we look ahead too – including AI, its impact on workplaces and the fascinating effect it's already having on the types and volume of employment cases coming across their desks. It's a conversation about where employment in Northern Ireland has come from, where it is now – and where it might be heading next. 🎙️ Michelle McGinley, Managing Director, Employers Federation🎙️ Karen Moore, Head of Training, Employers Federation🎧 Hosted by Craig Thompson, Vibrant Workplace

    160 Years of the Employers Federation | Michelle McGinley & Karen Moore | Ep.38: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

  2. Jun 7

    The Inner Path of Leadership | Featuring David Maxwell | Ep.37: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

    What if the biggest barrier to your organisation's growthis the mindset of its leaders? In this episode, Craig is joined by 2022 IoD Director of the Year for Leadership & Innovation, author of The Inner Path of Leadership and founder of SpinState – David Maxwell. Together they explore: Why so many successful leaders still feel stuckThe difference between horizontal and vertical developmentThe knowing-doing gapLeadership, ego and purposeWhy mindset can become a bottleneck to business growthThe link between inner development and organisational performanceWhat leaders can do to begin the journey David draws on decades of leadership experience, scalingbusinesses, raising investment, and helping leaders grow their organisations by growing themselves. If you're a founder, director or senior leader looking tocreate greater impact, this conversation is for you.

    The Inner Path of Leadership | Featuring David Maxwell | Ep.37: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

  3. Feb 23

    Good Jobs, Better Business? | Featuring Mark McAllister | Ep.36: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

    🎙 Good Jobs, Better Business? With Mark McAllister, Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency The upcoming Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill is set to introduce significant changes to the employment landscape in Northern Ireland. But how aware are employers of what’s coming?What is actually changing? And what could this mean in practice for businesses and employees alike? In this episode, Craig sits down with Mark McAllister, Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency, for an open and honest conversation about: Where the Good Jobs Bill has come from - and why The LRA’s role in shaping and supporting its implementation What changes are likely to matter most to employers The union access and voice elements generating discussion How businesses can prepare And how confidence and trust can be strengthened in workplace relations We also explore the broader question:Can better jobs lead to better business? This is a thoughtful discussion designed to bring clarity to a topic that is already generating strong opinions. Whether you’re an business owner, HR leader, union representative, or simply interested in the future of work in Northern Ireland, this episode will help you understand what’s ahead as we assess it from the viewpoint of various stakeholder groups. 🎙 The Vibrant Workplace Podcast is hosted by Craig Thompson It explores how we can build a better working world for both employers and employees with a key focus on leadership, culture, employee engagement and the future of work. 📲 Follow Craig on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-thompson-4935795 🌐 Learn more: vibranttalent.co.uk

    Good Jobs, Better Business? | Featuring Mark McAllister | Ep.36: Vibrant Workplace Podcast

  4. Jan 12

    Does It Pay to Pay Fairly? With Mary McManus

    In this episode, Craig is joined by Mary McManus from Living Wage NI to explore the Real Living Wage through a commercial lens, not just a moral one. They discuss why fair pay has become such a challenging issue for employers, the real pressures facing SMEs, and whether paying the Real Living Wage can genuinely make business sense when viewed through retention, recruitment, engagement, and long-term performance. A balanced, thoughtful conversation for business owners and leaders who want to understand how pay levels impact business outcomes. We hope you enjoy!

    Does It Pay to Pay Fairly? With Mary McManus

  5. 12/09/2025

    The Factory of Opportunities - with Barry Taylor

    In this episode, Craig is joined by Barry Taylor, Managing Director of MEGA, to explore why manufacturing in Northern Ireland is far more than the old “dirty factory” stereotype. Barry lifts the lid on a sector that is quietly driving innovation, providing long-term careers, and anchoring communities — yet still battling major talent and skills shortages. Together, Craig and Barry unpack: How modern manufacturing has transformed into a hub of technology, precision and progression The hidden career opportunities most people never hear about Why the sector is struggling to attract talent — and what needs to change How culture, skills and employer brand will shape the future of manufacturing What other industries can learn from the sector’s approach to developing people If you’re a leader thinking about the future of talent - or someone curious about what the manufacturing world really looks like today - this conversation will challenge assumptions, widen perspectives and showcase a sector full of untapped opportunity.

    The Factory of Opportunities - with Barry Taylor

  6. 11/17/2025

    Vibrant Workplace Spotlight: Kinecx Energy!

    In this special episode Craig is joined by Niall Martindale (CEO) and Olga Pollock (HR Manager) as we explore life in the Verified Vibrant Workplace, Kinecx Energy! Kinecx took part in the Vibrant Workplace Accelerator and we found that their people had 18.2 times more positive than negative days at work! In fact, there were only 3.7% of days across the workforce that were rated negatively. That means for every 100 working days there are less than 4 bad ones! How does work get that good, and what makes Kinecx such a close knit team with such a compelling culture? Tune in to find out! For Context: Verified Vibrant Workplaces have successfully completed our Vibrant Workplace Accelerator and proven through our employee experience platform mooqi® that their employees most often: Have a Good or Great day at workAre Engaged with the work they doThink others should join the company too! Does Kinecx Energy sound like a Vibrant Workplace to you? Let us know what you think!

    Vibrant Workplace Spotlight: Kinecx Energy!

  7. 10/20/2025

    Legacies Not Layoffs - Featuring Karen Maguire

    Craig Thompson chats with Karen Maguire, Chairperson of Employee Ownership Ireland, about the growing movement of Employee Ownership Trusts: How they workWhy business owners are embracing themAnd what they mean for employees, company culture and the future of work

    Legacies Not Layoffs - Featuring Karen Maguire

  8. 09/21/2025

    The Self-Leadership Blueprint - Featuring Seamus Fox

    In this episode, Craig Thompson engages in a deep conversation with renowned podcast, author, speaker and coach Seamus Fox about the importance of self-leadership, finding one's purpose, and the role of values in achieving fulfilment in life and work. Seamus shares his personal journey of transformation,emphasizing the significance of understanding one's values and how they influence decisions and actions. The discussion also touches on the challenges of motivationversus discipline, the impact of environment on personal growth, and the necessity of creating a purposeful workplace that aligns with individual values. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, identify what truly matters to them, and take actionable steps towards a more fulfilling existence.

    The Self-Leadership Blueprint - Featuring Seamus Fox
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Hosted by Craig Thompson, this is the show where we explore how to build a better working world with leading employers & industry thought leaders. - Jobseekers wanting to work for elite companies should tune in for *evidenced* insights into life in the world’s best (following their completion of our Vibrant Workplace Accelerator) - Employers wanting their organisation to become a vibrant place to work (which attracts, engages & retains the most talented people) can learn how This is the *exclusive* podcast for Vibrant Workplaces. For more info visit: vibranttalent.co.uk Enjoy tuning in!

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