The Culture 360 Podcast

The Culture Room
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The Culture 360 podcast looks at culture from every angle and dives into the big ideas, people, teams and stories around how we work, lead, and connect. Hosted by The Culture Room owner and consultant Stu Savage, we unpack engaging reads, insightful articles, fresh podcasts, and feature dynamic guests from across industries and the world. Expect smart, witty and punchy insights to spark thinking, positive change and to energise your organisation, team or workplace culture.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Belonging by Design - Education Series (Part two)

    Why do some kids feel like school just isn't built for them? In Part Two of our Belonging by Design series, Culture 360 host Stu Savage sits down with Assistant Head Teacher Duncan Morrison and school counsellor/consultant James Nelson to unpack how schools can intentionally build psychological safety, trust and belonging into everyday classroom culture — not just hope it happens.From smartphone bans and "mental truancy" to the SEN system, neurodiversity, and Paul Dix's famous "poker chip" theory of emotional currency, this episode goes deep into what actually makes a young person feel safe, known, and like they matter — and why that matters more for behaviour, attendance and attainment than any curriculum reform.If you work in education, leadership, HR, or organisational culture, this conversation will change how you think about belonging, trust and psychological safety — in schools and beyond.🎧 Missed Part One? Watch "The School Wasn't Built for Me" by heading to the list of episodes. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to Culture 360 – Education Series Part 202:08 Belonging by design: the big question03:24 Safety, being known, and mattering07:13 The impact of social media and phones on classroom safety09:37 Phone pouches, wanding kids, and the psychology of school gates12:07 Teacher workload vs building real relationships20:10 Behaviour or belonging? Spotting unmet SEN and neurodiversity26:01 The "poker chip" theory of emotional currency30:17 What's really underneath the behaviour36:07 Root causes: EQ, self-awareness and emotional regulation in kids44:42 Every touchpoint counts – lessons from customer experience48:54 Does Ofsted grade belonging?53:19 The magic wand question: what would change in 12 months59:40 Politics, metrics and the future of educationMeet the guests:👉 Duncan Morrison – Assistant Head Teacher at Bridgewater High School, Warrington, UK. 20+ years in education, specialising in behaviour management and inclusion.👉 James Nelson – Consultant, counsellor and therapist working with secondary school students across the UK and New Zealand, specialising in adolescent mental health and psychological safety.About Culture 360:Culture 360 is the podcast from The Culture Room exploring workplace and organisational culture, human behaviour, and performance — hosted by Stu Savage. New episodes exploring leadership, belonging, psychological safety and culture design, every week.IG: @the.cultureroomFB: @the.cultureroomwww.thecultureroom.co.nz stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz 🔗 Get in touch: thecultureroom.co.nz🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership and belonging.👍 If this episode resonated, please like, comment and share — it genuinely helps more people find the show.

  2. Jul 30

    The School Wasn't Built for Me - Education Series (Part One)

    The Culture 360 Podcast - Education Series (Part One): The School Wasn't Built for Me. What if the biggest barrier to learning isn't ability—but belonging? In Part One of our special three-part education series, The School Wasn't Built for Me, Culture 360 Host Stu Savage is joined by experienced Assistant Head Teachers Duncan Morrison (Bridgwater High School, Warrington, UK) and Jamie Gillespie (St Thomas More Catholic High School, Crewe, UK) to explore one of the most important—and overlooked—questions in education: What does it really mean for a young person to belong? Together, they unpack why many students feel like outsiders despite their potential, and how school culture, relationships, routines and leadership shape whether young people thrive or simply survive. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, educational research, and practical examples from the classroom, this conversation explores why belonging isn't a wellbeing initiative—it's an organisational design challenge. In this episode you will discover: Why some students spend more energy trying to "fit in" than learning. How school culture influences behaviour, attendance and achievement. The hidden assumptions schools make about students and families. Why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. The impact of routines, language and everyday interactions on belonging. How leaders can create genuinely inclusive learning environments. Practical ideas for teachers, school leaders and organisations seeking stronger cultures. The discussion also explores the work of Owen Eastwood, Carol Dweck, and Pierre Bourdieu, connecting research on belonging, mindset, and habitus with real-world leadership practice in schools. Although this conversation focuses on education, the lessons apply to every organisation. Whether you lead a business, sports team, community group or school, belonging is one of the strongest predictors of performance, engagement, and culture. If you're passionate about: ✅ Leadership✅ Organisational Culture✅ School Leadership✅ Education Reform✅ Psychological Safety✅ Team Performance✅ Employee Engagement✅ Student Wellbeing✅ High-Performance Teams...then this episode is for you. 🎙 About the Culture 360 Podcast, Culture 360 explores culture from every angle, bringing together leaders, researchers and practitioners to uncover what really builds high-performing organisations and thriving teams. Hosted by Stu Savage, founder of The Culture Room.👍 If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Subscribe and Share—it really helps us grow the channel and continue bringing conversations with world-class leaders and practitioners.

  3. May 21

    The Signs Were Always There...

    In Episode 10 of the Culture 360 Podcast, Stu Savage explores the hidden power of artifacts, symbols, rituals, branding, and identity — and how organisations are constantly communicating culture, often without saying a word.From Edgar Schein’s model of organisational culture to semiotics, sport, branding, leadership, and human psychology, this episode dives into the visible signals that shape how people think, feel, behave, and belong.Why do sports teams use lions, eagles, and birds on their badges? Why do some organisations instantly feel professional, welcoming, or inspiring — while others feel disconnected or hollow? And why can trust built over decades disappear almost overnight?Using powerful real-world examples including: Benfica vs Sporting LisbonVolkswagen and the BeetleRoman, Nazi and American eagle symbolismworkplace rituals and leadership behaviourslogos, uniforms, flags, meetings, and identityStu explores how artifacts become emotional triggers connected to memory, meaning, loyalty, and culture. Because culture is not just what organisations say.It’s what people see.It's what people hear.It’s what people feel.It’s what people experience.🎙️ Culture360 — Culture from Every Angle.00:00 Understanding Artifacts in Organisational Culture03:21 The Power of Symbols and Emotional Connections06:29 Artifacts in Everyday Workplace Culture09:26 Observing Culture Through Artifacts10:30 Introduction to Leadership and Culture10:31 Exploring Organisational Culturestuart@thecultureroom.co.nz YT:‪@the.cultureroom‬ IG: ‪@the.cultureroom‬ FB: the.cultureroomwww.thecultureroom.co.nz

  4. May 1

    Breaking Cycles. Courageous Leadership. Shaping Culture.

    In this episode of Culture 360 (Ep 9), host Stu Savage (The Culture Room) sits down with Carolyn Young, CEO of Retail NZ, to explore a leadership journey shaped by resilience, high performance sport, and purpose-driven work.From growing up in a hardworking immigrant family to leading organisations across sport, community, and business, Carolyn shares the defining moments that shaped her leadership style—and the lessons every leader needs today.This is an honest, insightful conversation about culture, connection, and what it means to lead with both strength and vulnerability. In this episode, you’ll learn: How early life experiences shape leadership valuesThe difference between leading from fear vs. leading toward successWhy culture is built through connection, not controlLessons from high-performance sport vs. community leadershipThe power of inclusion, belonging, and emotional intelligence (EQ)How to build trust, psychological safety, and stronger teamsWhy “being yourself” is the most underrated leadership skillKey Takeaways: Great leaders listen more than they speakCulture isn’t top-down—it’s built collectivelyVulnerability creates stronger, more connected teamsSuccess comes from continuous growth, not perfection

  5. Mar 23

    Everyday Moments. Hidden Beliefs. Lasting Cultures.

    Everyday Moments. Hidden Beliefs. Lasting Cultures.🎙 Welcome back to Culture 360 – culture from every angle, in association with The Culture Room.In Episode 8, Stu Savage explores a simple but powerful idea that explains almost everything about organisational culture: 👉 Culture is not built through intention… it’s built through experiences.Every interaction, every meeting, every reaction — these everyday moments shape how people think, what they believe, and ultimately how they behave. In this episode, we break down the chain reaction at the heart of culture: Experiences → Beliefs → Values → Behaviour → Culture →Results Through real-world examples from leaders and organisations like Satya Nadella, Microsoft, Pixar, Manchester United, and Uber, we explore how culture is shaped — intentionally or not — by what people experience every day. 💡 You’ll learn: Why beliefs are formed through repeated experiences. How leaders shape culture without realising it. Why values often come after beliefs, not before. How small moments create lasting cultural impact. What separates high-performing cultures from toxic ones 🔍 Key Reflection: 👉 What are people experiencing because of you? Are you creating: Safety or fear? Curiosity or criticism? Trust or control? Because those experiences are shaping your culture — whether you intend them to or not. 🎧 Listen / Watch Culture 360 – Episode 8 now 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more episodes 🎧 Available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms 🌐 Learn more:https://www.thecultureroom.co.nz 📩 Work with The Culture Room:stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz 📸 Follow on Instagram:@the.cultureroom If this episode resonates, share it with your team, your leaders, or someone who shapes culture every day. Because culture isn’t built in workshops…it’s built in the moments between them. #Culture360 #OrganisationalCulture #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HighPerformance #EmotionalIntelligence #TheCultureRoom #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #PeopleAndCulture

    Everyday Moments. Hidden Beliefs. Lasting Cultures.

  6. Feb 8

    Irene van Dyk: The Invisible Thread of Culture

    🎙 Culture 360 – Episode 7 Irene van Dyk: The Invisible Thread of CultureFrom Netball World Cups, Silver Ferns huddles and Trans Tasman Championships, Irene van Dyk unpacks what truly builds winning teams — and it’s not slogans, strategy, or talent alone.It’s:• Trust built over time• Hard conversations handled with care• Standards set when no one’s watching• And that invisible thread that connects people and a teamIn this episode, Irene shares powerful stories from elite netball, leadership lessons forged in adversity, and why a strong culture is felt long before it’s ever spoken.

  7. Jan 22

    Smart People, Emotional Reactions, Broken Cultures.

    In this episode of The Culture 360 Podcast (Ep 6), host Stu Savage explores the complex dynamics of workplace culture through the lens of emotional reactions and rational thinking. Drawing from Dr. Steve Peters' 'The Chimp Paradox', Dan Goleman's insights on emotional intelligence, and Sam Harris' perspectives on mindfulness, Stu delves into how understanding our brain's systems can lead to healthier organisational environments. Tune in to discover practical tools for leaders and individuals to foster a reflective and connected workplace.#workplaceculture #culture #emotionalintelligence #mindfulness, #leadership #selfawareness #meditation stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz www.thecultureroom.co.nzIG: the.cultureroomFB: the.cultureroom @the.cultureroom ​

  8. 10/28/2025

    Navigating Educational Culture and Climate: Leadership Lessons

    Explore the dynamic world of school culture with host Stu Savage (The Culture Room) on the Culture 360 Podcast (Ep 5). Featuring Duncan Morrison, Assistant Head Teacher at Bridgewater High School, this episode delves into the essential elements of educational environments. Discover how culture and climate influence schools and learn strategies for fostering a sense of belonging and authentic relationships. Drawing on insights from Duncan's extensive teaching and leadership experience, this episode provides valuable perspectives on adapting to educational changes and fostering inclusive, positive school cultures. Tune in for actionable insights and expert advice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Duncan Morrison 02:43 Teaching Philosophy and School Culture 05:56 Defining School Culture and Climate 08:58 Values and Beliefs in Education 11:51 The Role of Artifacts in School Culture 14:45 Building Relationships and Authentic Connections 17:48 Professional Development and Teacher Practices 20:47 The Importance of Belonging in Schools 23:27 Impact of COVID-19 on School Culture 26:34 Reflections on Changing School Environments 29:44 The Evolution of School Culture 33:53 Balancing Expectations and Empathy in Education 38:25 Building a Supportive School Environment 42:06 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Education 44:30 Advice for New Teachers 48:19 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement 52:24 Inconsistent Leadership and Its Impact on Culture 56:22 Developing Self-Esteem and Belonging in Schools

  9. 10/13/2025

    Going Underground: Working with Primary Emotions and Navigating Workplace Dynamics

    The Culture 360 Podcast 'Culture from Every Angle' (Ep 4): Going Underground: Working with Primary Emotions and Navigating Workplace Dynamics with James Nelson. In this episode of the Culture 360 podcast, host Stu Savage engages with James Nelson, a counselor and consultant, to explore the intricate relationship between counseling and organisational culture. They discuss James's journey into counseling, the importance of understanding organisational dynamics, and the role of emotional intelligence in fostering a healthy workplace. The conversation delves into the challenges of providing feedback, maintaining confidentiality, and creating safe spaces for individuals to express their vulnerabilities. They emphasise the significance of values and beliefs in shaping organisational culture and the need for empathy and kindness in the workplace. The episode concludes with practical advice for improving organisational culture and the importance of rituals in fostering a positive environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture 360 Podcast 07:32 The Role of a Counselor 15:47 The Challenge of Honest Feedback 22:23 The Importance of Safe Spaces 29:44 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 37:44 Understanding the Unconscious Mind 44:39 Strategies for Managing Anxiety 51:11 Values and Their Impact on Behavior 01:00:21 Creating Healthy Organizational Cultures 01:06:07 Balancing Empathy and Performance in Workplaces 01:14:33 Rituals for Enhancing Workplace Culture stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz www.thecultureroom.co.nz YT – the.cultureroom IG - the.cultureroom FB - the.cultureroom

  10. 09/28/2025

    The Untold Culture Secrets of the All Blacks and Silver Ferns with Dr Andy Martin

    The Culture 360 Podcast 'Culture from Every Angle' (Ep 3): The Untold Culture Secrets of the All Blacks and Silver Ferns with Dr Andy Martin. In this episode of the Culture 360 podcast, host Stu Savage engages with Dr. Andy Martin to explore the intricacies of organisational culture and leadership. They discuss the success of the All Blacks and Silver Ferns, drawing lessons on high performance, setting expectations, and the importance of cultural diversity. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals, the impact of legacy, and the need for inclusivity within teams. They emphasise the role of leadership in fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ultimately highlighting that culture is fundamentally about people. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Culture 360 Podcast 06:20 Lessons from the All Blacks and Silver Ferns 11:30 The Importance of Cultural Diversity 17:46 Identity and Belonging in Teams 24:50 Collective Leadership in Teams 32:31 The Importance of Values in Organizational Culture 38:00 Legacy and Leadership in Teams 43:45 Balancing Personal and Professional Identity 48:44 Catalysts for Change in Leadership 53:04 sportsRecreation-outro-high-short.wav Connect with me at: stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz www.thecultureroom.co.nz Instagram - @the.cultureroom Facebook - the.cultureroom YouTube - ‪@the.cultureroom‬

    The Untold Culture Secrets of the All Blacks and Silver Ferns with Dr Andy Martin

  11. 09/08/2025

    Mindsets, Mistakes & Mavericks: A Focus on Leadership, Culture & Mental Health in Youth and Sport with Rob Watson

    Culture 360 Podcast: 'Culture from Every Angle' (Ep 2): Mindsets, Mistakes & Mavericks: A Focus on Leadership, Culture & Mental Health in Youth and Sport. In this powerful episode of Culture 360, host Stu Savage sits down with Rob Watson—youth worker, sports coach, and mental health advocate—to explore the deep connections between leadership, organisational culture, and psychological wellbeing in youth and sport. Connect with me at: stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz www.thecultureroom.co.nz Instagram - @the.cultureroom Facebook - the.cultureroom YouTube - ‪@the.cultureroom‬

    Mindsets, Mistakes & Mavericks: A Focus on Leadership, Culture & Mental Health in Youth and Sport with Rob Watson

  12. 08/10/2025

    The Liverpool Way: Lessons in Culture from Anfield’s Inner Sanctum with Chris McLoughlin

    Culture 360 Podcast 'Culture from Every Angle' (Ep 1): The Liverpool Way: Lessons in Culture from Anfield’s Inner Sanctum. Description In this episode of the Culture 360 podcast, host Stu Savage reconnects with lifelong friend Chris McLaughlin, who shares his journey from school days to becoming a journalist for Liverpool FC. The conversation delves into the rich culture of Liverpool FC, exploring the winning mentality instilled by legendary managers, the significance of the boot room, and the vital role of fans in shaping the club's identity. Chris discusses the community connections that bind Liverpool supporters, the traditions that define match days, and the impact of historical events like the Hillsborough disaster on the club's culture. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of Liverpool FC and the evolving nature of football culture. #liverpoolfc, #culture, #journalism, #community, #winning mentality, #bootroom, #fans, #traditions, #Klopp, #Hillsborough  ⁨@LiverpoolFC⁩   ⁨@the.cultureroom⁩  Connect with me at: stuart@thecultureroom.co.nz www.thecultureroom.co.nz Instagram - @the.cultureroom Facebook - @the.cultureroom YouTube - ‪@the.cultureroom‬

    The Liverpool Way: Lessons in Culture from Anfield’s Inner Sanctum with Chris McLoughlin
  • 12 Episodes

About

The Culture 360 podcast looks at culture from every angle and dives into the big ideas, people, teams and stories around how we work, lead, and connect. Hosted by The Culture Room owner and consultant Stu Savage, we unpack engaging reads, insightful articles, fresh podcasts, and feature dynamic guests from across industries and the world. Expect smart, witty and punchy insights to spark thinking, positive change and to energise your organisation, team or workplace culture.

Information

  • Creator
    The Culture Room
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Culture Room
  • Show Website
    The Culture 360 Podcast