Hello and welcome back to the People's Planet Podcast, where we explore sustainability in practice. Today, Simon is your main co-host. We'll discuss the skills and tools needed to lead and deliver sustainability projects with Rich Tricker, Learning and Development Manager at Ashorne Hill.

Rich helps others improve their performance and that of their teams. We first met him during our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships training, where his teaching inspired us. He focuses on making complex concepts simple and practical, covering topics like situational leadership, Tuckman's team development stages, and Kotter's change model.

Rich recommends "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado Perez, highlighting data bias and its impact. He stresses the importance of technical knowledge and helping others embrace change. Successful projects create urgency early and make changes habitual by the end.

Embedding change involves preparation and understanding emotional responses. Rich uses the conscious competence model: moving from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence.

Rich identifies three key leadership qualities: emotional intelligence, tenacity, and patience. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing oneself and others. Tenacity means persisting through challenges. Patience involves waiting for the right moment and thinking of the best outcome.

Being authentic while adapting to others is crucial. Understanding stakeholders and connecting with them effectively is key. Addressing resistance involves understanding its reasons and using Cialdini's influence levers, combining benefit selling and disturbing to motivate change.

To make change stick, continuous reinforcement of benefits and consequences is essential. Rich shares an example from Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing daily commitment and constant reminders of the reasons for change.

For sustainability projects, collaboration is key. Understanding the interconnectedness of different aspects and working with various stakeholders, including suppliers, enhances the effectiveness and impact of sustainability initiatives.

To connect, share thoughts, or suggest topics, email us at peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Follow us, like the episode, and share—your support helps us move forward! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠