The Human Factor Podcast

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....

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...

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...

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...

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, bu...

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, bu...

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...

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, tra...

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 dialo...

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 talen...

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’...

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 n...

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...

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...

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...

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 inno...

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...

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 fr...

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 b...

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 boostin...

In this episode, we speak with Karl Fitzpatrick, a sporting CEO, who shares insights on balancing organisational growth, team performance, and building a positive workplace climate. In Episode 54 of The Human Factor, we return to the world of sport, an industry that often shines a light on key human factors. This time, we’re looking at things from a macro perspective with insights from Karl Fitzpa...

With workplace mental health in the spotlight, we sit down with Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK and explore: What is mental health? How can you support yourself and others? And how do we break the stigma? In Episode 53 of The Human Factor, we dive into the critical topic of mental health—what it is, why it matters, and how we can better support ourselves and others, especially in th...

In the latest episode of The Human Factor, we dive into performance, leadership, and the key to consistent execution with special guest Dave Kline. Don’t miss out on his invaluable insights and tips for fostering a culture where teams thrive. In Episode 52 of The Human Factor, we delve into the core of leadership, focusing on execution, performance and standards —topics that shape the future of wo...

How can we take greater control over the conditions of our lives to ensure? How can we better understand the factors that influence our wellbeing on a day-to-day basis and what can organisations do to improve this? Christine Armstrong tells us how. In this episode of ‘The Human Factor’, Christine Armstrong shares invaluable insights on how to create a buzzing workplace without falling...

Discover how the music industry has adapted to digital disruption, from streaming to talent discovery, and what it means for leadership, revenue, and engagement. In Episode 50 of The Human Factor Podcast, we explore ‘The Era of Digital’ with music industry veteran Tony Harlow. From CDs to streaming, the digital shift has revolutionized how talent is found, music is consumed, and revenu...