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135 | The Evolving Role of Modern Leadership

Building Better Cultures

Release Date: 05/29/2025

145 | Building Trust in Turbulent Times | Scott McInnes & Kim Bohr show art 145 | Building Trust in Turbulent Times | Scott McInnes & Kim Bohr

Building Better Cultures

In this week’s episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Kim Bohr, President and COO of Spark Effect, about the critical role of trust in organisations. They discuss the findings from the report 'Trust in Turbulence' which breaks down trust into measurable domains and emphasises its importance as a competitive advantage. The conversation explores how disruptions, such as the return to office policies, impact trust, and how organizations can build and rebuild trust through effective communication and leadership practices.  ...

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144 | Leading Culture in a Hybrid World | Scott McInnes & Phil Codd show art 144 | Leading Culture in a Hybrid World | Scott McInnes & Phil Codd

Building Better Cultures

Welcome back to a brand-new series of the Building Better Cultures Podcast! In the first episode of the season, host Scott McInnes is joined by Phil Codd, Managing Director of Expleo in Ireland. They discuss the multifaceted nature of organisational culture, emphasising the importance of aligning leadership and employee cultures. Phil shares insights on employee happiness, effective communication, and the significance of feedback loops in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of hybrid work, the future of organisational culture, and the need for...

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143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy show art 143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy

Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode...

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142 | Navigating Accountability for Values | Karen Jones & Karen Hackett show art 142 | Navigating Accountability for Values | Karen Jones & Karen Hackett

Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of accountability for values with guests Karen Jones and Karen Hackett. They explore the importance of articulating and embedding organizational values, the role of managers in fostering a culture of accountability, and the potential pitfalls of weaponizing values in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of onboarding processes and the need for open communication and feedback within organizations.    Takeaways  Accountability for...

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141 | Mentoring, Peer Learning, and AI: The Future of Workplace Development | Barbara Carroll & Lisa Melody show art 141 | Mentoring, Peer Learning, and AI: The Future of Workplace Development | Barbara Carroll & Lisa Melody

Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the third challenge from the Mind the Gap research report, focusing on the importance of learning and development in organizations. Joined by guests Barbara Carroll and Lisa Melody, they explore the significance of multi-generational workforces, the effectiveness of peer learning, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their training methods and embrace diverse learning opportunities to meet...

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140 | Equipping Managers for the Future: Tools for Culture and Connection | Katy Lumsden & Neil O'Brien show art 140 | Equipping Managers for the Future: Tools for Culture and Connection | Katy Lumsden & Neil O'Brien

Building Better Cultures

  Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenges faced by mid-management in organizations, drawing insights from the Mind the Gap research report. Guests Katy Lumsden and Neil O'Brien share their experiences and perspectives on the evolving roles of managers and leaders, the importance of culture, and the need for effective communication and training. The conversation highlights the significance of psychological safety, resilience, and the necessity for managers to engage in tough conversations while fostering a supportive...

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139 | The Critical Role Leadership Plays in Shaping Organisational Culture | Denise Black and Denis Doolan show art 139 | The Critical Role Leadership Plays in Shaping Organisational Culture | Denise Black and Denis Doolan

Building Better Cultures

Episode Summary In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Denise Black and Denis Doolan to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. Together, they unpack insights from the Mind the Gap report — highlighting the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and the need for leaders to embody the culture they wish to create. The conversation delves into the consequences of neglecting culture, the essential capabilities leaders must develop, and the collaborative process of defining a target culture that aligns with organisational...

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138 | Mind The Gap Research: Insights on Organisational Culture | Sadhbh O'Flaherty & Scott McInnes show art 138 | Mind The Gap Research: Insights on Organisational Culture | Sadhbh O'Flaherty & Scott McInnes

Building Better Cultures

SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Sadhbh O'Flaherty takes over the mic to interview Scott McInnes about his recent research titled 'Mind the Gap.' The research explores the cultural challenges organisations face today, particularly through the lens of Chief People Officers (CPOs) in Ireland. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the research, key findings, and actionable insights for organisations looking to improve their culture. Key themes include leadership skill and will, the role of managers, the importance of learning and development,...

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137 | Storytelling, Stakeholders, and Strategy: Communicating Change Right show art 137 | Storytelling, Stakeholders, and Strategy: Communicating Change Right

Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Catherine Fallon about the critical role of change communication in organizations undergoing transformation. Catherine shares her extensive experience in employee engagement and change management, emphasizing the importance of building trust and aligning stakeholders during periods of change. The conversation explores effective strategies for communicating change, the role of middle management, the significance of storytelling, and the necessity of engaging change agents to foster a supportive...

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136 | Navigating Organisational Culture Challenges | Clare Duffield show art 136 | Navigating Organisational Culture Challenges | Clare Duffield

Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Clare Duffield, Assistant Chief Officer for People and Organisational Development at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). They discuss the importance of workplace culture, the challenges faced by policing globally, and the insights gained from a cultural audit conducted within PSNI. Clare shares the findings of the audit, highlighting both concerns and strengths within the organisation, and emphasises the need for trust, recognition, and support in fostering a positive culture. The...

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Summary 

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Dara Connolly, CEO of Common Purpose Ireland, about the evolving role of leadership in today's organizations. They discuss the importance of connection, self-awareness, and the need for leaders to adapt in a post-COVID world. Dara shares insights on practical strategies for effective leadership, the significance of mentoring, and the impact of good leadership on society. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to be open, curious, and engaged in their communities to foster positive change. 

Takeaways 

  • Connection is essential for effective leadership. 

  • Leaders must adapt to the changing landscape post-COVID. 

  • Practical networking is about building genuine relationships. 

  • Self-awareness is crucial for leadership development. 

  • Surrounding oneself with mentors enhances leadership skills. 

  • Creativity can be found in all professions. 

  • Good leadership contributes to societal change. 

  • Leaders should be open to new experiences and perspectives. 

  • Awareness precedes action in leadership decisions. 

  • Building trust is fundamental to successful leadership. 

 
Chapters 

  • 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Learning 

  • 02:45 The Role of Connection in Leadership 

  • 05:51 Adapting Leadership in a Post-COVID World 

  • 09:10 Practical Tips for Effective Connection 

  • 12:12 Building Leader Capability for the Future 

  • 14:50 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Mindset 

  • 17:58 The Power of Good Leadership in Society 

  • 20:52 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Connection 

 

Sound Bites 

  • "Get together, we are stronger." 

  • "Creativity is everywhere." 

  • "Awareness precedes action." 

  • "Do good feels good." 

  • "Keep your mind open to opportunities." 

  • "Surround yourself with mentors." 

  • "A coach, an apprentice, and a Jedi."