140 | Equipping Managers for the Future: Tools for Culture and Connection | Katy Lumsden & Neil O'Brien
Release Date: 10/23/2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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135 | The Evolving Role of Modern Leadership
Building Better Cultures
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...
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134 | Unlocking Potential: Neurodiversity, ESG, and Organisational Culture in Action
Building Better Cultures
Summary In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Lorna McAdoo, head of ESG at Version One, about the importance of organizational culture, the role of ESG in shaping that culture, and strategies for enhancing employee engagement, especially in a post-COVID world. They discuss the significance of listening to employees, integrating ESG into daily operations, and the potential of neurodiversity in the workplace. Lorna emphasizes the need for organizations to be flexible and proactive in creating an inclusive environment that fosters connection...
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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 environment.
Takeaways
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The mid-management layer faces unique challenges from both above and below.
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Commonalities in organizational challenges can provide reassurance and strength.
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Leadership and management roles are increasingly blurred in modern organizations.
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Managers need to be equipped with tools to foster culture and engagement.
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The say-do gap highlights discrepancies between senior leadership intentions and managerial actions.
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Tough conversations are essential for growth but often avoided due to fear.
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Psychological safety is misunderstood and misapplied in many organizations.
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Resilience in younger generations may differ from previous cohorts.
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Effective management requires understanding individual team members deeply.
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Training for managers should focus on practical skills for modern challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research
05:04 The Role of Mid-Management
08:39 Leadership vs. Management
16:18 Culture Multipliers vs. Bottlenecks
21:58 Shifting Mindsets in Management
23:37 Navigating the Transition from Peer to Manager
29:42 The Importance of Role Modelling in Leadership
31:51 Addressing Difficult Conversations
38:47 Resilience in Leadership and Generational Differences
44:37 Skills for Modern Leadership in a Hybrid World
Mind the Gap Research: https://bit.ly/3WMlS4C
What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety: https://hbr.org/2025/05/what-people-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety