PEOPLE, BRAND & SYSTEMS

Lindy Taylor

Explore the intersection of people, brand, and systems in this thought-provoking podcast hosted by Lindy Taylor. Each episode dives into the real stories, strategies, and structures that drive thriving businesses—from cultivating culture and leadership, to building authentic brands and designing systems that scale. Whether you're a founder, team leader, or creative thinker, this is your space to rethink how business works from the inside out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our interviewees in our videos and podcasts are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the companies or organisations they represent.

Episodes

  1. Part 2: Culture at Scale - Building a Business Worth Believing In w/Candice Seggie

    11/17/2025

    Part 2: Culture at Scale - Building a Business Worth Believing In w/Candice Seggie

    In this episode, Lindy Taylor sits down with Candice Seggie, Chief People Officer at Solar Africa, to unpack how truly effective culture elevates organisations—well beyond slogans to something authentically lived. Explore the real-world impact of employee engagement, thoughtful leadership, and innovative people strategies on business success and retention. What you’ll learn in this episode: [00:00] – Preparing employees for meaningful engagement and managing organisational change [04:12] – Why regular surveys and transparent feedback loops drive genuine participation [09:40] – Rethinking workplace flexibility to support diverse teams [14:22] – How candour and communication build psychological safety and trust [18:55] – Customising perks and mental health support to boost wellbeing and loyalty [23:10] – Leadership development and consistent coaching for high-performing teams [27:45] – The HR metrics that matter for recruitment, performance, and retention [32:00] – Why great culture retains talent even in highly competitive sectors 💡 Key Topics: employee engagement - workplace flexibility - mental health and wellbeing - leadership coaching - performance management - HR metrics - staff retention - company culture - exit interviews - talent attraction - Solar Africa - African business - organisational growth - operational excellence Connect with Candice Seggie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceseggie/ Website: https://solarafrica.com Connect with the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-discipline/ Website: https://the5thdiscipline.com Follow 5th Discipline on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5th-discipline 👍 If you value actionable leadership lessons and culture-first business growth, follow this podcast for more insights 🔔 Subscribe for episodes with executive leaders and culture champions 💬 Share your takeaways or tips on employee engagement in the comments Full Description: “Culture at Scale – Measuring Engagement & Growing Stronger” brings you powerful insights from Lindy Taylor and Candice Seggie on what it really takes to build, measure, and sustain a winning company culture. Get tactical advice on using surveys, feedback, and HR data to future-proof your organisation, create impactful wellness programmes, and build high-trust leadership teams. Discover how Solar Africa’s focus on wellbeing, flexibility, and engagement has helped them attract and retain top talent, reduce turnover, and maximise performance—even in fast-scaling environments. Perfect for business leaders, HR professionals, and teams seeking evidence-based strategies to foster a healthy, high-retention workplace and drive business growth. Tune in, and get ready to uplift your people—and your results! #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #SolarAfrica #Retention #HRAnalytics 🔑 Search Keywords: employee engagement - workplace flexibility - mental wellness - leadership coaching - recruitment metrics - talent retention - performance management - company culture - exit interviews - employee perks - African business - renewable energy - operational efficiency - high-performing teams - psychological safety

    23 min
  2. Part 1: Culture at Scale - Building a Business Worth Believing In w/Candice Seggie

    11/10/2025

    Part 1: Culture at Scale - Building a Business Worth Believing In w/Candice Seggie

    In this episode, Lindy Taylor CEO & Founder of 5th Discipline, sits down with Candice Seggie, Chief People Officer at Solar Africa, to explore how truly effective company culture elevates organisations. Learn why culture is more than just a slogan—it's at the heart of your people, your purpose, and the stories that drive success. What you’ll learn in this episode: [00:00] – Candice’s journey through recruitment, marketing, and the growth of Solar Africa [04:12] – The vital role of your people in scaling and sustaining core company values [09:40] – Managing organisational mergers with change management, clear communication, and trust-building [14:22] – How to define and live authentic company values for sustainable long-term growth [18:55] – Recruiting for cultural fit: effective interview methods and promoting diversity [23:10] – Day-to-day actions that nurture a thriving company culture and employee engagement [27:45] – Performance management strategies, KPIs, and behaviour-focused reviews [32:00] – Leadership transparency and its positive impact on overall business performance 💡 Key Topics: culture at scale - organisational design - employee engagement - authentic leadership - business values - change management - recruitment strategies - solar energy sector - company mergers - performance management - workplace wellbeing - employer branding - scaling in Africa - operational excellence - digital transformation 📌 Connect with Candice Seggie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candiceseggie/ Website: https://solarafrica.com Connect with the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindy-taylor-renewable-energy-sustainability-5th-discipline/ Website: https://the5thdiscipline.com Follow 5th Discipline on LinkedIn. 👍 Like this episode if you found value in it 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on building strong cultures and business growth 💬 Share your key takeaways or questions in the comments Full Description: “Culture at Scale – Building a Business Worth Believing In” features Lindy Taylor and Candice Seggie discussing proven strategies for scaling a thriving business without compromising culture and values. Explore how Solar Africa transitioned from a start-up to a pan-African energy leader by focusing on employee engagement, performance excellence, and meaningful impact. Get actionable insights on change management, living core values, and recruitment centred on cultural fit. Learn how to build high-performing teams and foster a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. This episode delivers valuable lessons for executives, managers, and HR leaders aiming to strengthen organisation culture, boost team engagement, and drive sustainable growth. Ready to develop your culture and scale your business? Access custom workshops, audits, and consulting across renewable energy, climate, and sustainability sectors. #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #SolarAfrica #ScaleUp 🔑 Search Keywords: company culture - scaling business - organisational design - employee engagement - leadership - purpose-driven business - recruitment strategies - mergers and acquisitions - behavioural KPIs - talent management - operational excellence - African business - sustainable growth - culture champions - business worth believing in

    32 min
  3. Part 1: Make the Circle Bigger – Turning People into Your Marketing Superpower w/Specioser Mutheu

    10/27/2025

    Part 1: Make the Circle Bigger – Turning People into Your Marketing Superpower w/Specioser Mutheu

    Full Episode Description: In this episode of The 5th Discipline Podcast, host Lindy Taylor chats with Specioser Mutheu, Communications Manager at Octavia Carbon, Africa’s first direct air capture (DAC) company. Together, they unpack how startups can build credibility before they have budgets — and why authentic storytelling, team advocacy, and consistency matter more than campaigns. You’ll hear how Octavia grew from a small Nairobi-based team into a recognised climate-tech brand through people-first marketing and smart partnerships that made their circle wider. 🎧 You’ll learn about: – Turning credibility into your startup’s strongest currency – Using your team as brand storytellers and amplifiers – Building organic traction through partnerships & accelerators – How consistency (not budget) builds brand trust 💬 “When your people believe in the mission, your story tells itself.” 📌 Connect with Specioser Mutheu LinkedIn: Specioser Mutheu 📲 Follow The 5th Discipline LinkedIn: 5th Discipline Connect with the Host: Lindy Taylor Website: the5thdiscipline.com #Leadership #StartupMarketing #ClimateTech #BrandBuilding #The5thDiscipline 🔑 Keywords: People-first marketing • startup branding • credibility building • organic marketing • LinkedIn strategy • Octavia Carbon • Africa startups • storytelling for founders • climate tech PR • leveraging employees in marketing

    34 min
  4. Part 2: Bootstraps & Breakthroughs: Leadership for the Next Era w/Kim Raath

    10/13/2025

    Part 2: Bootstraps & Breakthroughs: Leadership for the Next Era w/Kim Raath

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Kim Raath, co-founder of Ledgerment and PrimeShore, we dive deeper into the strategies that help founders and teams thrive. Kim shares why storytelling beats facts for connection, how to simplify complex problems for scalability, and why cash-flow mastery and feedback loops are essential for sustainable growth. She also gives candid insights on preparing for investors, protecting your personal time as a founder, crafting a meaningful employee value proposition and leading with authenticity in the age of AI. Whether you’re building your first startup or scaling your organisation, you’ll get practical tips you can apply right away. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in Part 2Using storytelling to inspire trust and action.Breaking complex problems into scalable solutions.Mastering cash flow and capital readiness.Building with customer input and effective feedback loops.Crafting employee value propositions that go beyond perks.Mentoring and leading authentically, even as AI reshapes work. 📝 Sound Bites“Storytelling connects people, facts don’t.”“Cash is king — know your numbers.”“Protect your time; authenticity is leadership.” ⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Storytelling Over Facts: The Key to Connection 03:15 – Simplifying Complex Problems for Scalability 07:30 – Understanding Your Numbers: Cash Flow Essentials 12:10 – Feedback Loops: Building with Customer Input 17:45 – Capital Readiness: Preparing for Investor Engagement 23:05 – Protecting Personal Time: The Cost of Entrepreneurship 28:40 – Crafting an Effective Employee Value Proposition 34:20 – The Human Element: Mentoring Beyond AI 39:00 – Authenticity in Leadership: The Final Word 🔔 Subscribe & ListenCatch more episodes on leadership, people, brand and systems

    25 min
  5. Part 1: Bootstraps & Breakthroughs: Leadership for the Next Era w/ Kim Raath

    10/06/2025

    Part 1: Bootstraps & Breakthroughs: Leadership for the Next Era w/ Kim Raath

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kim Raath, entrepreneur and co-founder of Ledgerment and PrimeShore. Kim shares her journey from bootstrapping to leading AI-driven teams, the power of storytelling in business, and how to build trust and culture inside a startup. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling your company, you’ll get actionable tips on leadership, team building, employee value propositions and cash-flow management. 🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy storytelling resonates more than facts in business.How AI and team dynamics are reshaping startups.Building trust and vulnerability into leadership.Creating employee value propositions based on lived experiences.Cash flow, bootstrapping and protecting your own well-being as a founder. 📝 Sound Bites“Fail fast, but fail forward.”“Cash is king.”“Be authentic. Be you.” ⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Kim Raath and Her Journey 03:01 – Transitioning into Climate and Carbon Credits 05:40 – Building Ledgerment and PrimeShore 08:44 – Emerging Trends in Startups: AI and Team Dynamics 11:27 – Leadership Superpowers and Building Trust 14:36 – Navigating Uncertainty and Vulnerability in Leadership 17:21 – Effective Team Building in Remote Settings 20:12 – Creating a Culture of Feedback and Growth Mindset 29:40 – The Importance of Accessibility in Leadership Remember to subscribe for more interesting conversations with leaders!

    31 min
  6. Part 2: Hiring Right: Matching Culture to Success w/ Wiehahn De Jager

    09/22/2025

    Part 2: Hiring Right: Matching Culture to Success w/ Wiehahn De Jager

    In part 2 of this conversation, with Lindy Taylor and Wiehahn De Jager - they continue the discussion around the critical role of soft skills in hiring, the importance of company culture, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Wiehahn shares insights from his experience at CrossBoundary, emphasising the need for clarity in communication and the significance of understanding candidates' motivations. They explore trends in the climate change sector and how organisations can adapt to attract and retain top talent. Takeaways Soft skills are essential for career advancement.A positive relationship with feedback is crucial.Being comfortable with ambiguity is a valuable skill.Understanding when to influence versus when to execute is key.Company culture should be clearly defined and communicated.AI can enhance recruitment but requires careful implementation.Recruitment metrics should focus on outcomes, not just inputs.Assessing past behaviours is more informative than hypothetical questions.Understanding candidates' motivations is vital for retention.Diversity in hiring leads to better organisational outcomes.Titles Unlocking the Power of Soft Skills in HiringBuilding a Culture of Success at CrossBoundarySound Bites "We have a very clear culture.""Ask them what they've done.""You can't step in the same river twice."Chapters 32:27: De-risking the Hiring Process 34:00: Assessing Soft Skills in Recruitment 37:00: Evaluating Cultural Fit 38:16: Authenticity in Interviewing 43:02: Understanding Candidate Motivations 47:47: The Importance of Reference Checks 49:49: Red and Green Flags in Interviews 55:51: Retention Strategies for Top Talent 01:01:18: Trends in Climate-Focused Talent Acquisition

    29 min
  7. Part 1: Hiring Right: Matching Culture to Success w/ Wiehahn De Jager

    09/15/2025

    Part 1: Hiring Right: Matching Culture to Success w/ Wiehahn De Jager

    In this conversation, Lindy Taylor and Wiehahn De Jager discuss the critical role of soft skills in hiring, the importance of company culture, and the impact of AI on recruitment processes. Wiehahn shares insights from his experience at CrossBoundary, emphasising the need for clarity in communication and the significance of understanding candidates' motivations. They explore trends in the climate change sector and how organisations can adapt to attract and retain top talent. Takeaways Soft skills are essential for career advancement.A positive relationship with feedback is crucial.Being comfortable with ambiguity is a valuable skill.Understanding when to influence versus when to execute is key.Company culture should be clearly defined and communicated.AI can enhance recruitment but requires careful implementation.Recruitment metrics should focus on outcomes, not just inputs.Assessing past behaviours is more informative than hypothetical questions.Understanding candidates' motivations is vital for retention.Diversity in hiring leads to better organisational outcomes.Titles Unlocking the Power of Soft Skills in HiringBuilding a Culture of Success at CrossBoundarySound Bites "We have a very clear culture.""Ask them what they've done.""You can't step in the same river twice."Chapters 00:00: The Importance of Soft Skills in Hiring 04:33: Understanding CrossBoundary and Its Impact 10:44: The Journey into Talent Acquisition 16:39: Navigating AI in Recruitment 28:33: Measuring Recruitment Success with KPIs

    29 min
  8. The Human Side of Leadership: People & Performance w/ Anja Visagie

    09/06/2025

    The Human Side of Leadership: People & Performance w/ Anja Visagie

    Welcome to the 5th Discipline Podcast – the space where we explore everything about people, brand, and systems to help climate change players in Africa scale with impact. 🌍⚡ In this episode, we sit down with Anja Visagie, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer at SPS – a leading renewables assessment management company operating across the SADC region and part of the Gridworks portfolio. Anja shares her insights on leadership, growth, and building resilient teams in the fast-evolving renewable energy sector. From developing new leadership skills to fostering trust, inclusion, and collaboration in diverse teams, she unpacks the real-world challenges of scaling a climate-tech business in Africa. 🔑 Key Themes We Discuss:Leadership skills and tools every manager needs to grow 📈Building trust and collaboration in uncertain times 🤝Creating inclusive team environments where innovation thrives 💡Keeping yourself and your team motivated in high-pressure roles 🔥Aligning company values with diversity in talent acquisition 🌱Encouraging innovation in renewable energy companies ⚡Leadership lessons Anja had to learn and unlearn quickly 🧠If you’re interested in leadership, organisational culture, scaling startups, and climate innovation in Africa, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and inspiration. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the 5th Discipline Podcast and follow us on LinkedIn (@5thDiscipline) to stay updated on our latest episodes.

    38 min

About

Explore the intersection of people, brand, and systems in this thought-provoking podcast hosted by Lindy Taylor. Each episode dives into the real stories, strategies, and structures that drive thriving businesses—from cultivating culture and leadership, to building authentic brands and designing systems that scale. Whether you're a founder, team leader, or creative thinker, this is your space to rethink how business works from the inside out. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our interviewees in our videos and podcasts are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the companies or organisations they represent.