Building Better Cultures Inspiring Change

Have you ever witnessed patterns of communication that didn’t seem helpful or productive in your teams? Leadership and communication go hand in hand, and who better to unravel this intricate relationship than Marsha Acker. As the CEO of Team Catapult, Marsha understands that there is more to leadership than just technical prowess; it’s about understanding people dynamics and creating a safe environment for open and honest communication. 
Throughout the episode, Marsha dives into the complexities of leadership and effective communication within teams, self-awareness challenges and discusses the significant shift from individual to systemic thinking, shedding light on the growing popularity of team coaching.
Key discussions include:
1.     A self-leadership quest: How to work with other humans
2.     An insight into communication dynamics and the four speech acts
3.     Communication patterns in teams and organisations
4.     The principle of bringing offline conversations into the room
5.     Are leaders holding back from being vulnerable at work?
6.     The edge of leaders in navigating fast-paced business environments
7.     Change management: The importance of explaining the why  
8.     The evolution of team coaching and the benefits of coaching as a system
9.     Recommendations for leaders navigating change
Plus lots more!
With a focus on the evolving nature of leadership in today’s fast-paced environment, Marsha emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and diverse perspectives. This episode will help leaders drive positive change, improve communication, and build better organisational cultures by understanding speech acts, introducing shared language, and focusing on team dynamics.
“It’s impossible, I think, for any one person to be able to have all the answers anymore. But yet, I think that’s an edge. I think it’s leftover from what we believe we think about leaders and what they’re supposed to be able to do, to what they need to do today.” – Marsha Acker.
ABOUT MARSHA ACKER
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-acker-3486a72/
Book: https://buildyourmodel.com/
Work: https://teamcatapult.com/

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 
ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

Can clear communication and the power of the pen have a transformative impact on your business? Absolutely! Get ready to discover all the 'write stuff' as we explore the influence of intentional communication with the founder of High-Value Writing, Erin Lebaqz.
In this episode, Erin takes an in-depth look at how leaders can foster trust, respect, and belonging through thoughtful and deliberate writing, creating an environment where people feel supported and acknowledged. Being a good writer isn't solely about getting your message across; it's also about understanding your audience.
Erin emphasizes the importance of considering different cultures and generations in your writing and unveils the role of emotion, including the surprising credibility boost that can come from emojis.
Key discussions include:
The power of writing and the cost of miscommunication Clarity: The key to confusion-free communication Effective communication in a post-pandemic work environment Leadership Models: Can written communication impact organisational culture? Write like a leader: Tips on mastering intentional writing The rising role of emotion in writing Writing for you VS writing for others The key to unlocking your writing confidence  Plus lots more!
Erin provides all the tips for avoiding the high cost of miscommunication and shares the secret to boosting your writing confidence, reminding us that writing is situational, which we are all experts on. So, hit play now and get ready to build better cultures through the written word!
"The biggest connection in today's world between writing and business success is employee retention. People leave workplaces when they don't feel happy or appreciated or their growth is cared about. And where do we get those messages, through communication." – Erin Lebaqz.
ABOUT ERIN LEBAQZ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlebacqz/
Work:
https://www.highvaluewriting.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@HighValueWriting
 
Get the High-Value Writing book:
https://www.amazon.com/High-Value-Writing-Real-Strategies-Real-World/dp/1667805517

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 
ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
 

How does the saying go? Is the glass half full, or is it half empty? Now, apply this to DEI in the workplace, and you'll see our guests, Christiane Bisanzio and Aleksandar Damchevski, challenge this very notion.
In this episode, Aleks and Christi delve into the evolving landscape of DEI, highlighting the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. This episode revolves around their insightful book, The Other 364 Days, and the profound idea that DEI should not be merely a day-long celebration but a year-round commitment in every workplace.
Throughout the discussion, we hear how organisations prioritise external appearances over internal actions, the responsibility of leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion, and the crucial part of setting precise and measurable inclusion goals. Aleks and Christi also reflect on common oversights made during event celebrations like Pride Week and International Women's Day.
Key discussions include:
The glass half full: A reflection on the progression of DEI Are workplaces becoming more divided or more diverse? Risk VS Opportunity: The two approaches to DEI Who is responsible for driving diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces? The importance of understanding and addressing internal biases and behaviours to create a more inclusive culture Key pitfalls hindering the success of organisational DEI Initiatives How authenticity can create more hope and drive change Is unconscious bias training ineffective? The flourishing link between DEI and ESG The one simple change that will transform your workplace "DEI is never a destination. It's always a journey. So this is never ending, it never stops, you have new trends, new topics, new themes coming up, but the overall importance of DEI remains." - Christiane Bisanzio.
ABOUT CHRISTIANE BISANZIO AND ALEKSANDAR DAMCHEVSKI
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianebisanzio/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-damchevski-he-she-they-b5589b20/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-364-DAYS-DIVERSITY-INCLUSION/dp/2839939290

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 
ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

Workplace culture is as strong as the communication it thrives on and as fragile as a string of miscommunications. Internal communications is the lifeblood of organisations, holding the power to inspire, inform and engage employees. This week, leading internal communications expert and author of ‘Me, Myself and IC’, Emily Hecker, joins Scott to dive right into its indispensable role in shaping organisational culture and unveiling how communication barriers can stunt growth.
This episode is packed to the brim with wisdom as Emily reveals how to gain buy-in from senior leaders and master the art of storytelling to drive your business forward. Emily also shares her advice on making internal comms a core business priority, highlighting the need for clear communication expectations within organisations.
Key discussions include:
Falling in love with the process of storytelling and creating narratives. How to master internal communications. The role of internal communication in shaping organisational culture. The three tiers of communicators within an organisation.  The key to empowering employees to become better communicators. Identifying what effective communication looks like. The impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on internal communications. Don’y shy away from success: The importance of showcasing successes to prove value. and gain leadership buy-in. How to provide support to leaders to become effective communicators. The three critical elements of effective communication.   Plus lots more! Emily is the embodiment of the power of storytelling, weaving her journey from a writing enthusiast to a corporate communication maestro. This episode is a masterclass on how communication can make or break your workplace culture. So, If you are ready to take the first step towards a more robust, interconnected, and engaged workplace culture, this is a must-listen for you!
“Internal communication is the lifeblood of organisations. Many studies show how it influences productivity, performance and satisfaction, all of which are key components to shaping culture.“ – Emily Hecker.
ABOUT EMILY HECKER:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhecker/
Work: https://www.emily-hecker.com/
Book: https://www.emily-hecker.com/book

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 
ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
 

Get ready to blast your workplace culture into new heights with the valuable guidance of this week’s special guest, Eric Stone. Eric is the founder of Clear Path Ventures and an acclaimed author who promises to enlighten your understanding of aligning organisational behaviour with values. 
Throughout the discussion, Eric lays out the five pillars of employee engagement and reveals the correlation between increased employee engagement levels and customer loyalty. Eric also tackles the challenge of maintaining a vibrant culture in remote work settings, emphasising the importance of open communication, ongoing training, and recognition. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone keen on cultivating a thriving and sustainable culture within their organisations.
Key discussions include:
A non-complicated rundown of workplace culture Five factors to foster a high-performing culture  The hiring process: What a character test can reveal Measuring organisation culture: An introduction to the six-point inspection How employee empowerment can lead to a sustained and unique culture The power of sharing stories within an organisation  Are your employees performing in sync with company values? Is organisational culture maintainable in a hybrid working world? The consequences of mandatory office returns The importance of being intentional in designing and communicating culture Plus lots more!
“Any time you have shared values and beliefs, that tends to create really good behaviours. Excellent behaviours over a consistent period of time lead to desirable outcomes.” – Eric Stone.
ABOUT ERIC STONE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/
Work: https://clearpathventures.com/
 
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Book: Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture by Eric Stone
https://www.ericdstone.com/

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 
ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
 

Are you ready to transform your workplace into a haven of well-being? If so, buckle up as Brian Crooke, founder of Workplace Well-being Ireland and Course Director of the Postgrad Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Dublin’s Trinity College, guides us through the ever-evolving landscape of workplace well-being. 
From his journey as a ‘recovering’ management consultant to becoming a well-being advocate, Brian reveals the power of understanding and implementing well-being at the workplace and how it is intrinsically linked to an organisation’s vision and business objectives. Brian also delves into the magic of storytelling, the importance of leaders role-modelling healthy behaviours and creating a culture of permission.
Key discussions include:
1.     Workplace health promotion: Your well-being goes beyond physical health
2.     The three pillars of well-being
3.     The importance of aligning well-being initiatives with an organisation’s vision and objectives
4.     Building a culture of health: Connecting hard data with human stories
5.     CEOs leading the way: How leaders are fostering supportive working environments
6.     How to set up a well-being champion network for continued success
7.     Incentivising and recognising change agents to drive business performance
8.     A spotlight on Irish businesses promoting and sustaining well-being
9.     How you can start improving workplace well-being
Plus lots more!
This episode is your essential roadmap to transform your workplace into a well-being hub. Brian generously shares invaluable advice on how to kick-start your well-being journey, offers his blueprint for establishing champion networks destined for success and reveals the inspiring Irish businesses leading the way.
“Start with why. Why is this important to you and your organisation? I always try and align what an organisation is doing, from a well-being perspective with their organisation’s vision, and business objectives.” – Brian Crooke.

ABOUT BRIAN CROOKE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancrooke
Work: https://www.workwellireland.ie/
 
EPISODE RESOURCES:
Article: Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-didnt-have-call-read-email-from-work-2-months-harry-goddard/
See Change - Irish organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma
https://seechange.ie/

ABOUT SCOTT McINNES: 
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. 


ABOUT SINÉAD EGAN:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadegan


ABOUT WORKVIVO:  
If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. 
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! 
This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com