In episode 36, we welcome Molly Tschang, Founder of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully Inc. Molly teaches people at all levels to communicate skillfully and authentically to be seen, heard and understood on their most important and challenging topics. Molly and I discuss: Why our willingness to speak up is a huge indicator of how safe and supported we are at work Molly shares her framework to help you unlock the key to authentic human interaction Why being a good leader begins with...

In episode 35, we welcome Graham Allcott, an entrepreneur, author, speaker and podcaster whose latest book KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work is out now. What if someone told you the key to success was kindness? His new work focuses on why organisations with kinder and more human-centred cultures are ultimately more successful.  Graham and I discuss: Why the role of kindness in business is misunderstood We look at the science of kindness, the research from behavioral science and...

In episode 34, we have something a little bit different for you. We speak to Rebecca Moulynox, the General Manager of Great Place To Work Australia and New Zealand, and Con Mouzouris, CEO of Mantel Group. Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture and gives leaders and organisation the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience.  Mantel Group is a technology consultancy firm and has been awarded “Legend” status by Great...

In episode 33, we welcome Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neural science at New York University and author of the acclaimed book, "The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony”."  From neurons to social networks, Jay’s research examines how collective concerns—group identities, moral values, and political beliefs—shape the mind, brain, and behaviour. Jay’s research focuses on social identities,...

In episode 32, we chat with Dr. Marc Sniukas about making better strategies for all levels - from leadership to management, to challenges in our everyday lives! With over 20 years of experience, Marc has worked with global organizations like BMW, Deloitte, and McDonald's. He helps businesses create effective strategies for success, even in challenging times. Marc equips people with proven systems to make strategy better - whether your goals are delivering growth, boosting financial...

In episode 31, we chat with Nick Bloom, a renowned Stanford economist and leading expert on remote work. Nick’s research has delved into the trends and preferences of employees for over twenty years. He’s full of insights and tips on the value of hybrid working and how to make the commute to the office count. Whether your workplace is remote, in-person or a mix of both - this episode is for you!  Nick co-founded WorkFromHomeResearch.com and has influenced policy on remote work, meeting with...

In episode 30, we chat with Carol Kauffman about being the best version of yourself in the toughest moments at work and in life. Whether you’re making a split-second decision when your business is hit sideways or finding the ways to stay calm when someone shouts you down in a meeting, how can you be at your best in the most crucial moments? Carol Kauffman is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and is ranked number one by leadership coach Marshall Goldsmith. Her book Real Time...

In episode 29, we chat with Tessa West about finding work that works for you, and applying relationship therapy tools to our careers.  Dr. Tessa West is a professor of psychology at New York University and expert in the science of social relationships. Tessa's extensive research and publications in top psychology journals have gained her recognition in media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. She is the author of "Jerks at Work" and upcoming book "Job Therapy."  Tessa and I discuss: ...

Welcome back to ‘part-two’ of our mini-series ‘How to be Better at Work’ where we delve into the essentials of improving ourselves and our relationships. In this three-part mini-series, Cathal Quinlan and Annette Sloan share 9 brain-friendly, bite-sized insights from world experts in workplace relationships, behavioural science and performance. In this episode we delve into ‘Better We’, focusing on three key areas: trust, feedback, and conflict management. We discuss: How trust is the...

In the final episode of our mini-series, we're wrapping up with key takeaways and actionable strategies for better workplace practices. ‘Better Ways’ is all about setting priorities, running effective meetings, and fostering an environment where employees can care and thrive. We discuss: Setting an intentional direction for your day. Tricks to avoid overwhelming your brain and stay positive.  How to set-up meetings for success. Strategies for fostering inclusivity and ensuring your...

In episode 26, we go deep on what makes a better day at work based on what we have learnt so far across two seasons of inspiring interviews with incredible people, plus our own lived experiences across global workplaces. When we’re so busy ‘doing’ work, how can we learn to be better at it?  In this three-part mini-series, Cathal Quinlan and Annette Sloan share 9 brain-friendly, bite-sized insights from world experts in workplace relationships, behavioural science and performance. In part...

In episode 25, we chat with Dr. Jim Harter about how developing the right habits in organisations can lead to increased productivity and better work environments. We go deep on what the latest research from Gallup is revealing about engaging and retaining employees. Jim is the Chief Workplace Scientist at Gallup and has been studying human behaviour in organisations for 37 years. Jim has led more than 1,000 studies of workplace effectiveness, including the largest ongoing meta-analysis of...

In episode 24, we chat with Jonathan Black about soft skills being the employability skills, how the hiring process is not all about qualifications and achievements, and how hiring for attitude is so important. Jonathan shares his insights and practical tips for improving career prospects. From working in small businesses to large corporations, Jonathan's diverse background makes him the perfect person to guide students and professionals alike. With a career that has spanned continents and a...

In episode 23, we chat with Margaret Heffernan about the critical human skills that we need to confront the unexpected in today’s world. Margaret explains why attempts to predict the future, even in today's world of AI and Big Data technologies, are often doomed to failure. She offers alternative strategies for people and organisations facing an uncertain future — strategies based on human creativity and resilience. Dr Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, Chief Executive, broadcaster, and...

In episode 22, we chat with Mamie Kanfer Stewart about creating effective and engaging meetings. Have you felt that you were wasting your time in a meeting, stuck in back-to-back meetings all day, and not getting to your work? Our listeners have told us this is a problem in many of their organisations and one that has worsened in recent years. Mamie, is a coach and consultant who trains teams and organisations to develop a healthy and productive meeting culture. She shares with us her...

In episode 21, we chat with Professor Ian Robertson about the science and neuroscience behind confidence. If you have confidence, it can empower you to reach heights you never thought possible. But if you don't, it can have a devastating effect on your future. Confidence lies at the core of what makes things happen. Probing the science and neuroscience behind confidence that has emerged over the last decade, clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Ian Robertson tells us how...

In episode 20, we chat with Kate Goodger about the approaches to unlock our best performance ever.  Formerly a PE teacher, Kate is one of the most experienced performance psychologists in Olympic sport in the UK having worked with Team GB athletes and medallists at seven Olympic Games.  She has also built a reputation as a high-performance coach and facilitator with leaders and executives in European and global businesses. Clients have included LEGO, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer, ASDA, and Laing...

In episode 19, we chat with Joe Hirsch about feedback. Most of us dread giving feedback and we're not that effective when we do. International lecturer and best-selling author Joe explains why our present method for feedback is flawed and he has made a career investigating how we can transform feedback from something we fear, to something that brings us joy.  We discuss: The difference between good and bad feedback How feedback focuses on a past we can’t change and how we should embrace a...

In episode 18, we chat with Ayse Birsel about designing a life you love. Ayse (pronounced Eye-Shay) Birsel is one of the world’s leading industrial designers. She has designed hundreds of products, from toilet seats to office systems to potato peelers to concept cars. However, her current work has shifted beyond that. Now, Ayse is focused on what it takes to design a good life. Through her workshops and writing, Ayse has helped thousands of people design their work and lives, and we really...

In episode 17, we chat with Maryanne O’Brien about the importance of conscious communication in the workplace. Our work lives revolve around effective communication. It is essential for cultivating trust and team collaboration, as well as strengthening our motivation and well-being at work. And with teams experiencing more anxiety, stress, and burnout than ever before, strong communication skills have never been more essential.  We discuss:. How communication is at the heart of many...

In episode 16, we speak with Joe Folkman about leadership and trust.  We discuss: - Joe’s background as a psychometrician (psychologist who uses data to predict outcomes) who studies leadership - How trust in society can predict GDP - The impact of low trust inside an organisation - The correlation between trust and leadership effectiveness - The three behaviours that most affect gaining trust  (you do not want to miss these!) and why leaders should be asking for feedback In his latest...

In episode 15, we speak with Amy Gallo about the most effective methods to deal with conflict and difficult people at work.    Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review. She is the author of the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict and Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone, and a cohost of HBR’s Women at Work podcast. She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics, communication, feedback, and emotional intelligence. As a sought-after speaker and facilitator, Amy has...

In episode 14 of Better@Work, we chat with two leading experts on the future of work, Lawrence Goldstone and Caitlin Guilfoyle. Many of the solutions for the future of work are vague when they’re not tied to an example e.g. ‘Upskilling’, ‘True self’, ‘Purpose’: Plus, these concepts are all journeys (maybe even journeys that don’t have measurable endings). Lawrence and Caitlin provide practical and tangible ways to get ready for the future of work. This is a no jargon approach with insights...

In episode 13 of Better@Work, we chat with one of the world’s leading thinkers and researcher on self-awareness, Dr. Tasha Eurick. Tasha shares her insights around why self-awareness is crucial when it comes to understanding ourselves and the people around us, how you go about developing it, what are the biggest misconceptions about it, and what can you do to overcome the blind spots in your self-awareness. Tasha also talks through why she believes being more self-aware is the key to success...