The Human Factor Podcast

Episod

• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 74: The 5th Anniversary - Still Human 18.06.2026 1j 8min

  In this special anniversary episode, we celebrate 5 years of conversations by bringing together four guests who have each helped shape the discussion around work, leadership, wellbeing, and inclusion: Sue Yell, Gethin Nadin, Eric Tinch, and Dr Nancy Doyle.Rather than looking back at every episode, this conversation focuses on the bigger questions that have emerged across the past 70 discussions. What have we learned about people at work? Which assumptions have been challenged? And where do different perspectives still exist?Together, we explore three themes that continue to define the future of work: change and execution, human connection, and growth and leadership. Along the way, our guests share reflections on how workplaces have evolved, the lessons leaders are still learning, and the human factors that remain constant despite ongoing change.===human, leadership, change, management, reflections, collaboration, lessons, anniversary.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 73: Human Connection - Why We Need It More Than Ever with John Cooper 18.05.2026 58min

  In episode 73 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked drivers of workplace success: human connection.As remote and hybrid working continue to reshape how we collaborate, many organisations are facing a growing challenge - how do we create genuine connection in environments where people can easily feel disconnected, isolated, or overlooked? Joining us is John Cooper, Chief Connection Officer at Thomas. Together, we discuss why connection is far more than a “nice to have” in today’s workplace, and how it directly impacts engagement, wellbeing, collaboration, and organisational performance.===Keywords: human, connection, engagement, wellbeing, collaboration, workplace, burnout, management
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 72: From Core to Edge: How AI Is Expanding What Enterprise Systems Can Do with Ben Peters 16.04.2026 56min

  In episode 72 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore how organisations can move beyond the limits of traditional enterprise systems and tackle the processes that still feel slow, fragmented, or broken.Joining us is Ben Peters, Co-Founder and CEO of Cogna. Together, we discuss how AI is enabling a fundamentally different approach - one where organisations can rapidly understand how work actually happens, generate working prototypes in real time, and iterate towards better solutions at speed.===Keywords: AI, Enterprise, systems, organisations, solutions, processes, digital transformation, future, work
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 71: Executing Change in the Real World with Nick Francis 18.03.2026 59min

  In episode 71 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore what it really takes to execute organisational change in the real world - beyond the frameworks, models, and tidy diagrams that often dominate the conversation.Joining us is Nick Francis, who has been at the centre of Decathlon’s transformation journey. Together, we discuss the realities of leading change inside a large organisation - building the case for change, securing senior sponsorship, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum when the path forward is anything but straightforward.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 70: Navigating the Snakes & Ladders of Modern Leadership with Richard Jolly - Part 2 02.03.2026 44min

  In this episode of The Human Factor Podcast, we’re diving into the dynamic and unpredictable world of modern organisations, where leadership can often feel like a giant game of Snakes & Ladders.We’re joined by Richard Jolly, one of the most respected voices in organisational psychology and leadership development. Together, we explore how leaders can read their environment more effectively, build strong and supportive relationships, and lead with humanity in systems that are constantly evolving.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 69: Navigating the Snakes & Ladders of Modern Leadership with Richard Jolly - Part 1 18.02.2026 47min

  In this episode of The Human Factor Podcast, we’re diving into the dynamic and unpredictable world of modern organisations, where leadership can often feel like a giant game of Snakes & Ladders.We’re joined by Richard Jolly, one of the most respected voices in organisational psychology and leadership development. Together, we explore how leaders can read their environment more effectively, build strong and supportive relationships, and lead with humanity in systems that are constantly evolving.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 68: Generation Z: The Myths and Realities 19.01.2026 1j 12min

  In episode 68 of The Human Factor Podcast, we’re diving into the dynamic, and often misunderstood, world of Generation Z: those born between 1997 and 2012 who are now entering and reshaping the workforce.With strong values, digital fluency and fresh perspectives, Gen Z is challenging traditional workplace norms. But what do they really want? How are they changing the game? And what can employers do to attract, retain and empower this new generation of talent?In this episode, we unpack common myths about Gen Z and explore the real challenges they face - from economic uncertainty and burnout to navigating hybrid and remote work. We discuss their workplace expectations, communication styles, career aspirations and how they collaborate across generations.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 67: AI, Burnout and Trust – Navigating Change in the Modern Era, Part 2 23.12.2025 52min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, continuing from Episode 66, we’re diving into one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: how to lead continuous, disruptive, deeply human change in 2025. We’re joined by Dan Rickards for an honest and insightful conversation about what effective change leadership really looks like now: not top-down communication, not rigid plans, but trust, transparency, and two-way dialogue. Because people don’t resist change - they resist being changed without a voice.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 66: AI, Burnout and Trust – Navigating Change in the Modern Era, Part 1 23.12.2025 47min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re diving into one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: how to lead continuous, disruptive, deeply human change in 2025.We’re joined by Dan Rickards for an honest and insightful conversation about what effective change leadership really looks like now: not top-down communication, not rigid plans, but trust, transparency, and two-way dialogue. Because people don’t resist change – they resist being changed without a voice.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 65: Neurodiversity at Work with Dr. Nancy Doyle 18.11.2025 1j 6min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re exploring a topic that’s reshaping how we think about talent, inclusion, and innovation: "Neurodiversity at Work".We’re joined by Dr. Nancy Doyle for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about what true inclusion looks like — and how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining hiring, culture, and leadership to embrace neurodiverse talent. Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply passionate about equity and inclusion, this conversation is for you.415984
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 64: Breaking the Silence: Menopause in the Modern Workplace with Deborah Garlick 15.10.2025 1j 4min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re breaking the silence on an issue that affects millions but is still too often ignored in the workplace: menopause. We’re joined by Deborah Garlick, founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, for an honest and empowering conversation about why it’s time to move from awkwardness and avoidance to empathy, education, and real action. Whether you’re a leader, manager, colleague, or someone going through menopause yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in as we explore how understanding and collaboration can make workplaces better for everyone.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 63: The Power of Mentoring with Ryan Preece 18.09.2025 59min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a practice that has shaped countless careers and lives: mentoring. We’re joined by Ryan Preece from The King’s Trust for an open conversation about the role mentoring plays in supporting young people to build the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn. What does it really mean to be a mentor—and how can the wisdom of experience help someone navigate the often bumpy road of personal and professional development?
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 62: Making Payroll Easier with Anita Lettink 01.09.2025 1j 14min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a part of work that touches every single one of us—yet is rarely talked about: payroll. It’s a function that has quietly remained the same for decades, despite the dramatic pace of change around us. We’re joined by the brilliant Anita Lettink, a global thought leader challenging the way we think about paying people. While technology has made payroll more efficient through automation, reporting, and self-service tools, the fundamental process hasn’t really changed. But what if it could?
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 61: Building Confidence and Telling Your Own Story with Emily Jaenson 18.08.2025 59min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we dive into one of the most misunderstood traits in human behaviour: confidence. Is it something we are born with—or can it be built, strengthened and used as a force for good? We’re joined by a truly inspiring Emily Jaenson whose journey proves that confidence isn’t just a trait—it’s a practice. Once too shy to order a pizza, she went on to become one of the few female General Managers in Minor League Baseball, delivered one of the most-watched TEDx talks of 2022, and is now a leading global speaker and coach on confidence. Together, we explore how self-belief can either free you or hold you back, how it impacts not just our careers but our relationships, and how we can cultivate confidence in ourselves and others in a way that lifts everyone around us. If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence is a gift or a skill—or how to harness it without tipping into ego—this episode is for you.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 60: Customer Value: Life On The Front Line with Donna Whittaker 18.07.2025 1j 2min

  In this episode of The Human Factor, we explore a critical question for any organisation: In a world of endless choice and fierce competition, how do you truly stand out—and deliver lasting value to your customers? We’re joined by Donna Whittaker for a behind-the-scenes look at EG On the Move, where human capability isn’t just a concept—it’s a strategic driver. Together, we unpack what it takes to support and empower front-line teams, and why the employee proposition behind them is more important than ever. If you’re thinking about how to create standout customer experiences from the inside out, this episode is for you.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 59: AI and Human: A Co-existence with Brenda Bown 01.07.2025 1j

  Inspired by a simple but powerful question—“What is AI?”—we’re joined by Brenda Bown, SAP CMO- AI, to explore how AI is reshaping life and work, and what it means for every generation. In this episode of The Human Factor, we step back from the hype and ask a simple but essential question: What is AI, really? We’re joined by Brenda Bown to unpack the evolving role of AI in our lives—from innovation and transformation to the fear and uncertainty some still feel. What does AI really mean for humans? How can we design a future where we co-exist and thrive together?
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 58: Scaling New Heights (Part 2) with Mike Phelan 18.06.2025 1j 13min

  In Part 2 of this series with Peak 4, we’re joined by Mike Phelan, drawing on his deep experience at Manchester United to explore how the dynamics of high performance have shifted. In this episode of The Human Factor, we’re joined by Mike Phelan, who draws on his experience at Manchester United to explore how performance is evolving in today’s world. Building on the excellent discussion with Dave Horrocks in Part 1, we take a broader look at the forces shaping performance—across industries and generations. A powerful conversation that challenges how we think about high performance—and what it takes to sustain it.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 57: Scaling New Heights (Part 1) with Dave Horrocks 02.06.2025 1j 10min

  In The Human Factor’s first-ever two-part special, we explore one of the series’ most important themes: performance—what drives it, how we define it, and how it continues to evolve. In Part 1, we’re joined by Dave Horrocks from Peak 4, who shares his extensive experience from the world of elite sport. Together, we unpack the intangible nature of performance and how it’s influenced by everything from mindset and culture to technology, data, and generational change.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 56: Bad Bosses Ruin Lives (or do they!) with Debra Corey 28.05.2025 57min

  This week on The Human Factor, we’re tackling a bold question: can bad bosses ruin lives? It’s a provocative title—but backed by real research. As we heard in our recent episode with Brian Dow, your immediate line manager can have more impact on your mental health than almost anything else at work. In this episode, we’re joined by Debra to explore the psychology behind leadership, the difference between intent and impact, and the behaviours that define both “bad bosses” and great ones. Packed with stories, reflections, and practical advice, this is a must-listen for anyone who leads—or wants to lead better.
• The Human Factor Podcast Episode 55: Making Work a Great Place with Brian Sutton 17.04.2025 1j 1min

  In Episode 55 of The Human Factor, we explore a simple but powerful question: what really makes work a great place to be? We’re joined by Brian Sutton, Client Relationship Manager at A Great Place to Work, for an honest conversation about belonging, culture, and the importance of feeling valued and energised at work. Is creating a positive workplace just a nice idea—or a critical factor in boosting engagement, retention, and mental well-being?