Pala Podcast

Jon Barnes
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  • Management

Human flourishing at work and in life

Episodes

  1. Oct 5

    How Self-Managed Teams Are Transforming Social Care with Helen Sanderson

    Jon chats here with Helen Sanderson, about her journey into self-management and the creation of wellbeing teams. Helen's experience emphasises the importance of trust, autonomy, and person-centered approaches in health and social care. Helen shares her experiences transitioning from traditional management to self-managed teams, highlighting the challenges and successes of implementing these changes. The conversation explores the challenges and successes of implementing self-management in home care, focusing on the experiences of Helen and her team in navigating inspections, metrics, and the impact of their approach on both staff and clients. It highlights the importance of relational care, community engagement, and the need for systemic change in how care is commissioned and evaluated. The conversation explores innovative approaches to meetings and team dynamics, emphasising the importance of designing interactions that foster relationships and efficiency. We also delve into the significance of confirmation practices in performance management and the impact of volunteering on workplace wellbeing. Takeaways Self-management transforms teamsValue-based recruitment is essential Self-management enhances care qualitySystemic change needed for sustainability Transforming meetings enhances relationshipsVolunteering significantly boosts wellbeing Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Helen's Journey03:07 The Shift to Self-Management06:04 Creating Wellbeing Teams09:01 Recruitment Revolution: Values First12:14 Learning from Burt's Org Model14:55 Challenges in Home Care Industry18:11 Building Relationships in Care21:05 Growth and Expansion of Wellbeing Teams24:13 Revolutionizing Home Care Practices27:00 Achievements and Recognition29:50 Facing the CQC Inspection Challenge32:30 Success Metrics and Wellbeing Teams34:50 Expanding the Self-Management Model37:38 Financial Challenges in Home Care40:47 The Need for Holistic Healthcare Approaches43:40 Creating Meaningful Connections in Care48:56 Current State of Wellbeing Teams51:00 Balancing Structure and Relationships in Teams57:13 Transforming Meetings for Better Engagement57:29 Cultural Dynamics in Meetings58:57 The Cost of Meetings and Value Creation01:00:59 Team Agreements and Governance Structures01:01:55 Policies, Procedures, and Playbooks01:06:02 Confirmation Practices in Performance Management01:12:34 The Role of Volunteering in Wellbeing

  2. Sep 8

    Unpacking the Psychology and Paradoxes of Self-Management with Lisa Gill

    In this podcast episode, Lisa Gill discusses her journey into self-management, the state of the self-management movement, and the importance of engineering and psychology in self-management. The conversation explores the fluctuations in the self-management movement over the past 10 years and emphasises the significance of inner work and relational dynamics in self-management. The conversation delves into the psychological challenges of self-management and the pendulum swing in organisational transformation. We explore the need to address the psychology of individuals in self-management and the potential pitfalls of swinging too far in the opposite direction during organisational transformation. We also delve into the complexity of self-management, the paradox it presents, and the cultural considerations that impact its implementation. Exploring the fear of colonising and the importance of cultural sensitivity in the context of self-management. Additionally, we discuss the dynamics of individual vs. collective accountability, the reimagining of accountability, and effective routes to self-management transformation. Takeaways Self-management movement has seen fluctuations over the past 10 yearsThe importance of inner work and relational dynamics in self-management Psychological challenges in self-managementThe pendulum of doom in organisational transformation Self-management is not a quick fixDifferent cultures have different starting points for self-management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lisa Gill and Self-Management05:50 Lisa Gill's Journey into Self-Management14:10 The State of Self-Management Movement28:02 Engineering vs. Psychology in Self-Management30:47 Psychological Challenges in Self-Management41:17 The Pendulum of Doom in Organisational Transformation55:56 The Complexity of Self-Management57:21 The Paradox of Self-Management58:25 Cultural Considerations in Self-Management01:01:09 Fear of Colonising and Cultural Sensitivity01:04:29 Individual vs. Collective Accountability01:09:27 Reimagining Accountability01:17:19 Effective Routes to Self-Management Transformation

  3. Aug 20

    Self-management & Leadership Buffets with Matthias Hoffman

    In this episode of the Pala Podcast Matthias Hoffmann, founder of Grubengold, discusses the vision for transformation and innovation, the transition to self-management, challenges and trade-offs, the leadership buffet, roles, and decision-making within the organisation. The conversation provides insights into the unique approach of Grubengold and the complexities of self-management in a consultancy setting. The conversation delves into the intricacies of organizational decision-making, the tension between hierarchy and self-management, the role of leadership and self-reflection, the use of board game design as a metaphor for organizational structure, and the trade-offs of self-management. Takeaways Self-management challenges and trade-offsLeadership buffet and autonomy Organisational decision-making involves multiple layers of discussion and governance, leading to a complex process.The tension between hierarchy and self-management requires self-awareness, coaching, and a shift in default decision-making processes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grubengold02:59 The Vision for Transformation and Innovation05:48 Transition to Self-Management08:23 Challenges and Trade-Offs of Self-Management11:33 Leadership Buffet and Autonomy26:49 Roles and Decision-Making29:35 Organizational Decision Making31:26 Defaulting to Hierarchy vs. Self-Management37:16 Leadership and Self-Reflection42:14 Board Game Design as a Metaphor for Organizational Structure52:14 Trade-Offs of Self-Management

  4. Jul 6

    The 4 Day Week with Dr Charlotte Rae

    Dr. Charlotte Rae discusses her research on the four-day working week and its impact on mental health and brain activity. The study methodology, objective measures, and findings related to the default mode network and creativity are explored in detail. The importance of balancing default mode network activity and the impact of time use on mental health are also highlighted. The conversation explores the impact of a four-day workweek on mental health, productivity, and sleep quality. It delves into the analysis of inflammatory markers, stress, and the interconnectedness of mind, brain, and body. The challenges and downsides of a four-day week are discussed, along with practical advice for implementing it. Time management techniques and boundaries are highlighted, and the project website for participation is shared. Takeaways The four-day working week has a significant impact on mental health and brain activity.Balancing default mode network activity is crucial for creativity and mental well-being. Impact of a four-day workweek on mental health and burnoutPractical advice for implementing a four-day week Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background05:38 Trial Phase and Data Measurement12:13 The Default Mode Network and Creativity18:03 Balancing Default Mode Network Activity25:06 Time Use and Restorative Activities30:35 Inflammatory Markers and Stress36:15 Productivity Measurement and Goal Attainment43:32 Advice for Implementing a Four-Day Week53:00 Project Website and Participation

  5. Jun 15

    Conflict Intelligence with Beccie D'Cunha

    Welcome to our conversation with Beccie D'Cunha. In this episode we cover: • Beccie's journey from social justice campaigning to founding Courage Lab • Her experience in the Middle East • The importance of conflict intelligence • The importance of psychological safety in organisations • How we can normalise conflict • The value of humility • Learning to argue in public The conversation explores the dynamics of conflict resolution, emotional expression, leadership in team settings and delves into the importance of empowerment, understanding emotions, and creating conditions for open dialogue. Beccie shares her insights in regards to the role of leaders in coaching and supporting teams through conflict and change, highlighting the transformative impact of emotional expression and conflict resolution on team dynamics and organizational culture. You can find out more about Courage Lab at: https://www.couragelab.co/ And you can follow Beccie on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becciedcunha/ Enjoy 🙏 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background05:39 Experience in the Middle East13:17 Conflict Intelligence and Psychological Safety20:34 Creating a Culture of Open-Heartedness29:40 Learning to Argue in Public43:57 Empowerment and Supportive Roles49:29 Moving Towards Problem-Solving55:05 Mining for Conflict and Emotional Expression01:00:43 Exploring Best and Worst Case Scenarios01:07:12 Normalizing Emotional Expression01:12:43 Conflict as a Signal for Change

  6. Apr 30

    Polymorphic Organisations with Perry Timms

    In this conversation, Perry Timms discusses the concept of a Polymorphic Organization, emphasizing adaptability, fluidity, and the role of hierarchy as stewardship. The discussion covers: • the role of a Polymorphic Organisation and its malleability • organizational oscillation • the phases of expansion and consolidation • detaching from dogmas • and the role of hierarchy and taxonomies in organizations The conversation delves into the concepts of servant leadership, polymorphic thinking, and organizational change. It explores the importance of aligning leadership with the mission, the role of self-management and democratic principles, the significance of meaning-making and organizational purpose, and the practical application of the flywheel approach to change. Chapters 00:00 Hierarchy and Taxonomies in Organizations27:15 Servant Leadership and the Mission34:42 Self-Management and Democratic Principles41:31 Meaning-Making and Organizational Purpose47:24 The Flywheel Approach to Change

  7. Apr 14

    Intrinsic Education with Emmett Fitzgerald

    Hello there 👋 Emmett Fitzgerald shares his journey from traditional education to humanitarian work and alternative education, highlighting the impact of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in his career decisions. Emmett shares his journey from working in humanitarian response to becoming an economics guide at a Montessori school, emphasizing the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and independent learning. The conversation delves into the importance of media literacy and critical thinking, the role of facilitation in education, and the constructivist approach to learning. It also explores the concept of autonomy in the workplace and the significance of community and collaboration in a learning environment. Takeaways Autonomy, mastery, and purpose play a significant role in career decisions.Transition from traditional education to humanitarian work and alternative education. Empathy and critical thinking are essential skills for young people to develop.The Montessori approach to education focuses on independent learning and social responsibility. Media literacy and critical thinking are essential skills for navigating and understanding the news media.Facilitation in education involves creating an environment that fosters autonomy, collaboration, and self-discovery. To find out more about Emmett's work, visit https://www.newsroom.me.uk/ If you want to find out more about how to set your teams free, visit https://teampala.co.uk Enjoy 🙏 Chapters 00:00 Exploring Alternative Education and Pedagogy13:02 Finding Purpose and Transitioning to Humanitarian Work22:46 Experience in Humanitarian Work and Mastery29:24 Journey from Humanitarian Response to Education40:23 Transition to Montessori Education57:05 Relational Skills and Cognitive Skills01:03:01 Facilitation in Education and Autonomy01:17:48 Autonomy in the Workplace and Community in Learning Environment

  8. Feb 27

    Introducing the Pala Podcast

    Hello everybody 👋 Welcome to the Pala Podcast. I'm your host Jon Barnes, co-founder of Pala, and I want to introduce you to what we're trying to do here. We help teams and organisations becoming self-managing and in this podcast we'll be exploring this by speaking to people from diverse fields. The podcast will help people to learn about self-management and but more broadly it will explore human flourishing in work and life with a balance between work-related and tangential topics, inviting guest speakers to share diverse perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking. We hope you enjoy it and if you have any ideas for amazing speakers from the world of self-management or more broadly from related fields such as decentralised economics, child-led education, psychology, philosophy or more, please get in touch on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbarnesdotme/ Take care, Team Pala

  9. Feb 24

    Kindfulness with Graham Allcott

    In this episode we speak to Graham Allcott the author of award winning book "Kind: The Quiet Power Of Kindness At Work". The conversation delves into the importance of kindness at work, the shift from productivity to kindness, the value of 'kindfulness' in the workplace, the role of psychological safety in team success, and the distinction between safety and comfort in fostering growth and innovation. The conversation explores the concept of kindness and its application in various contexts. It delves into the principles of kindness, the impact of scarcity mindset, personal experiences, and the role of curiosity and humility in addressing polarization. The importance of slowing down and the challenges of kindness in the face of disagreement are also discussed. As Graham says, you can buy 'Kind' in "all good book stores, and in the bad one". If you want to know more here's a link: https://www.grahamallcott.com/orderkind And if you want to find out more about Pala, visit: https://teampala.co.uk Finally, if you have any guests you'd like to introduce us to, get in touch on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbarnesdotme/ Speak soon, Jon 👍 Takeaways Psychological safety is crucial for team successThe distinction between safety and comfort is important in fostering growth and innovation Kindness starts with youSlowing down is essential for kindnessCuriosity and humility are key to addressing polarization Chapters 00:00 Safety vs. Comfort in the Workplace40:38 The Principle of Kindfulness46:33 The Value of Receiving and Giving54:16 The Impact of Rushing on Kindness01:01:27 Kindness with Disagreement

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    8 Episodes

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About

Human flourishing at work and in life

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Barnes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jon Barnes
  • Show Website
    Pala Podcast