Human Wise

Helen Wada
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Host and expert coach Helen Wada is a strong believer in the commercial advantage of being human at work. With over 25 years commercial experience, Helen has seen an opportunity for businesses to do things differently – a sweet spot where a coaching approach and commercial focus can co-exist to build a more human working world. This podcast is for anyone in business who believes that a better way of working is out there: better for teams, for organisations and, ultimately, for society as a whole. We'll hear from senior leaders, founders, people on the ground and professionals from a variety of different disciplines, learning from their unique wisdom and experience.  So, if you're ready to make the human advantage your commercial advantage, join Helen and guests every other week on all major podcast directories.

  1. Ep54: Becoming Unapologetically You – Embracing Growth, Discomfort, and Authentic Leadership with Alison Maitland & Liz Walker

    JAN 21

    Ep54: Becoming Unapologetically You – Embracing Growth, Discomfort, and Authentic Leadership with Alison Maitland & Liz Walker

    Recommended Episodes Ep48: The Human Side of Risk and Relationships with Alisa VozyanaEp51: The Courage to Create – Finding Your Voice and Sharing Your Wisdom with Alison JonesEp42: From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief – Building Confidence and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Mary Collins What does it really mean to become unapologetically you — and how can embracing discomfort lead to deeper growth and authenticity? In this inspiring episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada sits down with Alison Maitland and Liz Walker, co-founders of Becoming International, to explore what it means to lead and live with authenticity. Together, they unpack how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help leaders break free from old narratives, reconnect with their values, and build the confidence to show up as their full selves — at work and in life. Helen, Alison, and Liz dive into the uncomfortable, yet transformative, process of growth: learning to notice emotions rather than suppress them, opening the “doors of the castle” to rediscover forgotten parts of ourselves, and recognising that the most human leaders are those willing to be vulnerable. Whether you’re navigating leadership, change, or self-doubt, this episode offers a powerful reminder that authenticity isn’t something we perform — it’s something we practise. Topics Discussed What it means to be unapologetically human at workHow Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support leadership growthThe difference between horizontal and vertical developmentEmbracing discomfort as a pathway to self-awarenessReconnecting with your body and emotions as sources of intelligenceHow authenticity transforms confidence and leadership impactView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    42 min
  2. Ep53: Stop Chasing Happiness - Why Happiness Isn’t the Goal and What to Focus on Instead with Frank Martela

    12/24/2025

    Ep53: Stop Chasing Happiness - Why Happiness Isn’t the Goal and What to Focus on Instead with Frank Martela

    Recommended Episodes: Ep. 18: Harnessing Change Through Storytelling with Dr. Susanne EvansEp. 33: Navigating Leadership in Turbulent Times with Sophie TurnerEp. 41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesWhat if the fastest route to a happier life is to stop chasing happiness altogether? In this episode of Human Wise, host Helen Wada is joined by Frank Martela, Finnish philosopher, psychology researcher, and author, to explore why “maximising happiness” can backfire and what to do instead. Together they unpack how meaning is built through small daily choices, why knowing your values protects you from external noise, and how high-trust leadership can create more engaged, human workplaces. It is a grounded, thought-provoking conversation about building a good life and a healthier way of working, especially as we head into a new year. Topics Discussed: Why “stop chasing happiness” is a more effective philosophy than trying to optimise itHow to build a meaningful life through small choices, connection, and reflectionA practical exercise to identify what you truly enjoy and where your energy goesThe hidden cost of living to meet other people’s expectationsStable self-esteem, feedback, and how leaders can create safer environmentsWhy human connection matters even more in the age of AIView extended shownotes here  Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    47 min
  3. Ep52: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work with Graham Allcott

    12/10/2025

    Ep52: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work with Graham Allcott

    Recommended Episodes Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience: How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp49: Leading with Humanity: Exploring Shadows at Work with Steven D’SouzaWhat if the real secret to high performance is not working harder, but treating yourself and others with more kindness at work? In this episode of the Human Wise podcast, host Helen Wada sits down with Graham Allcott, author of Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work and How to Be a Productivity Ninja, to explore how kindness, psychological safety and truly human leadership can transform the way we work. Graham shares why he believes “humans are weird,” why productivity is really about doing less, not more, and how an abundance mindset changes everything from our self-talk to the way we show up for others. Together, Helen and Graham unpack the powerful links between kindness, productivity and commercial outcomes, from reducing stress and avoiding toxic productivity to creating teams that feel safe enough to speak up, challenge decisions and share bold ideas. They also explore the difference between being “nice” and being truly kind, why leaders need to slow down to notice the small moments that matter, and how we can all start by being kinder to ourselves first. Topics Discussed Human at work: why “humans are weird” and why that is our greatest strengthKindness and productivity: how empathy, rest and psychological safety drive performanceScarcity versus abundance: reframing “I am not enough” and the pressure to do moreThe ROI of kindness: stories, science and why kindness is a strategic advantageNice versus kind: truth, grace and having the courageous conversations that matterView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    51 min
  4. Ep51: The Human Behind HUMAN WISE – A Reverse Interview by Alison Jones, Founder Practical Inspiration Publishing

    11/12/2025

    Ep51: The Human Behind HUMAN WISE – A Reverse Interview by Alison Jones, Founder Practical Inspiration Publishing

    Recommended Episodes Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesEp45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience: How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa BoydEp32: Navigating Executive Coaching and Business with Bill Berman What does it take to have the courage to create — to find your voice, share your ideas, and turn them into something that changes lives? In this inspiring milestone episode, Helen Wada sits down with Alison Jones, publisher, coach, and founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, for a conversation about courage, creativity and connection. Together, they explore what happens when you stop waiting for permission to create and start turning ideas into impact — one conversation, one page, and one person at a time. Alison shares her journey from corporate publishing to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing how her coaching-led approach empowers leaders to transform expertise into influence. Helen reflects on the story behind her forthcoming book and the origins of the Human Framework — a model that brings coaching skills into commercial success by focusing on how we show up, connect, and collaborate. It’s a powerful exchange about confidence, curiosity, and community — and a reminder that our greatest ideas don’t just build businesses, they build belonging. Topics Discussed From idea to impact: how books scale wisdom and credibilityThe Human Framework: showing up, understanding others, mindset, action, next stepsWriting as discovery: turning reflection into clear, communicable valueCoaching skills in commercial contexts and why confidence mattersBuilding communities around ideas and starting small to build momentumView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    34 min
  5. Ep50: Human-Centred Service: How Emotional Intelligence Elevates the Luxury Experience with Aiga Sutka

    10/29/2025

    Ep50: Human-Centred Service: How Emotional Intelligence Elevates the Luxury Experience with Aiga Sutka

    Recommended Episodes Ep44: Beyond the Numbers: Balancing Humanity and Commercial Clarity with Steve Day Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep24: The Art of Making Human Connections in Business with Phil SmithIn a world where convenience rules and everything can be ordered at the tap of a screen, what keeps people coming back to human connection? In this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada speaks with Aiga Sutka, luxury retail coach and trainer, about how emotional intelligence transforms not just the client experience but the entire culture of retail. With over a decade in the luxury sector — from Louis Vuitton to Gucci — Aiga reveals that true luxury isn’t found in products or price tags, but in presence, empathy, and human touch. Together, Helen and Aiga unpack what it means to lead and sell through emotional intelligence. They explore how self-awareness helps teams manage pressure, how coaching can shift limiting beliefs, and why resilience is the ultimate measure of success in high-performing environments. Aiga’s insights from the shop floor bring this philosophy to life — from helping team members overcome fear and self-doubt to showing how storytelling, care, and curiosity build trust that lasts far beyond a single sale. This episode is a celebration of human-centred service, reminding us that in every interaction — whether in luxury retail or leadership — it’s our empathy and emotional awareness that define excellence. Topics Discussed Emotional intelligence as the foundation of meaningful serviceThe power of empathy and connection in client relationshipsCoaching as a tool for confidence and performanceResilience and self-awareness in high-pressure environmentsHow storytelling and authenticity elevate the luxury experienceView extended Shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    40 min
  6. Ep49: Leading with Humanity - Exploring Shadows at Work with Steven D’Souza

    10/14/2025

    Ep49: Leading with Humanity - Exploring Shadows at Work with Steven D’Souza

    Recommended Episodes Ep40: The Power of Vulnerability and Values in Leadership with Jason Cotta Ep45: Human-Centred Leadership & Resilience — How to Build Sustainable High Performance with Lisa Boyd Ep41: Reimagining Success Through Kindness, Connection, and Core Human Skills with Natalie SemmesIn this episode of Human Wise, Helen Wada sits down with author, educator, and leadership expert Steven D’Souza to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity. Drawing on decades of work in leadership development and reflective practice, Steven shares how acknowledging the light and shadow within ourselves can transform how we lead, connect, and grow. Together, Helen and Steven discuss how vulnerability strengthens leadership, why embracing uncertainty is vital for human-centred growth, and how leaders can cultivate cultures that value self-awareness over perfection. It’s a rich, reflective conversation that reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to look inward and lead with compassion and courage. Topics Discussed in This Episode The light and shadow sides of leadershipHuman-centred growth through reflection and awarenessLeading with authenticity and vulnerabilityHow embracing humanity builds trust in teamsReframing success through self-awareness and connectionView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    49 min
  7. Ep48: The Human Side of Risk and Relationships with Alisa Voznaya

    09/23/2025

    Ep48: The Human Side of Risk and Relationships with Alisa Voznaya

    What does it truly mean to be human at work—and how can embracing vulnerability, empathy, and authentic connection actually drive business success? In this inspiring episode of the Human Wise Podcast, we unpack the power of human-centered leadership and relationship-building with Alisa Voznaya, risk consulting partner at BDO. Discover how Alisa transitioned from a career in academia and forensic intelligence to leading risk strategy and building a successful consulting practice. She shares candid lessons on conquering imposter syndrome, cultivating trust, and why the “human advantage” is essential in today’s business world. Together, Alisa and Helen discuss coaching, active listening, reframing sales as genuine connection, and the long-term impact of nurturing relationships—not just chasing short-term wins. If you’re looking to foster more meaningful professional relationships, build trust with clients, and lead with authenticity in a results-driven world, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and personal stories you won’t want to miss. Tune in to start building your own human advantage at work! Topics discussed in this episode: Building trust in client relationshipsHuman-centered approach to salesNavigating professional vulnerability at workLong-term business relationship strategiesIntegrating coaching skills in consultingView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    42 min
  8. Ep47: Building Better B2B Relationships with Ryan O'Sullivan

    09/02/2025

    Ep47: Building Better B2B Relationships with Ryan O'Sullivan

    Unlock the secrets to building trusted business relationships that drive sustainable growth in today’s AI-driven world. In this Human Wise episode, I’m joined by Ryan O’Sullivan, senior executive, business advisor, university lecturer and author of Building B2B Relationships. Together, we explore why trust, empathy and curiosity remain the most powerful differentiators for leaders and organisations navigating change. Topics discussed in this interview: Rethinking the outdated sales stereotypeEmotional investment in business partnershipsInternal collaboration for revenue growthHuman connection as AI advantageRelationship capital as strategic assetView extended shownotes here Further links to follow: Helen Wada: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/helen-wada The Human Advantage: https://www.thehumanadvantage.co.uk/

    39 min
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About

Host and expert coach Helen Wada is a strong believer in the commercial advantage of being human at work. With over 25 years commercial experience, Helen has seen an opportunity for businesses to do things differently – a sweet spot where a coaching approach and commercial focus can co-exist to build a more human working world. This podcast is for anyone in business who believes that a better way of working is out there: better for teams, for organisations and, ultimately, for society as a whole. We'll hear from senior leaders, founders, people on the ground and professionals from a variety of different disciplines, learning from their unique wisdom and experience.  So, if you're ready to make the human advantage your commercial advantage, join Helen and guests every other week on all major podcast directories.

Information

  • Creator
    Helen Wada
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Human Wise
  • Show Website
    Human Wise