In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, I am joined by Sarah Katherine Schmidt as we explore the fascinating science of how our brains respond to change. Sarah dives into the psychology and neuroscience behind change management, offering actionable insights for leaders navigating transformation in their organisations. Sarah highlights the importance of self-awareness in leaders—understanding their own emotions and how they influence their response to change. Equally crucial is developing empathy for others, recognising the diverse ways team members process change. By fostering psychological safety, leaders can create a sense of inclusion and belonging, encouraging open conversations. The discussion unpacks strategies to elevate positive brain chemicals, like fostering excitement and championing change. Sarah also addresses the unique needs of those who feel more anxious about change, emphasising the need for structure, clear goals, and inclusive conversations to help them feel empowered and impactful.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we welcome former Xero CEO Steve Vamos to discuss how leaders can navigate change effectively. Steve delves into the difference between gradual shifts and sudden shocks, emphasising that leaders who are comfortable with change can respond to shocks with a more measured approach. He shares strategies for avoiding overwhelm during constant change, such as focusing on what’s important and managing energy wisely. Steve highlights the critical role of mindset, stressing the importance of caring, connecting, and enabling others through vulnerability-based trust and genuine respect. Drawing on his experiences, Steve discusses how prioritisation, clear communication, and empathy are key to keeping teams motivated and rebuilding confidence after difficult situations. Reflecting on his career, Steve shares the lessons he’s learned: success comes from prioritising people and embracing a learner’s mindset.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Dr. Alia Bojilova, a former special forces psychologist, shares her unique insights on resilience through the lens of psychology and her military background. Alia highlights the critical role of curiosity in building resilience, helping individuals move beyond the fight, flight, or freeze response and engage more deeply with their environment. Reflecting on her experience of being taken hostage in Syria, Alia explains how curiosity enabled her to understand her captors' intentions and communicate effectively. She also shares how small acts of positivity, like a glance or a smile, can serve as powerful survival mechanisms in the face of challenges. We explore how leaders can cultivate curiosity within teams by fostering awareness, encouraging questions, and creating collaborative environments. Drawing further on Alia’s military background, we discuss the key traits that make special forces personnel elite and resilient: Self-awareness, a deep sense of belonging, curiosity, and the ability to maintain "subjective equilibrium." Alia also offers practical tools for leaders and team members to develop and enhance these traits within themselves.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Genevieve Hawkins as we explore the fascinating science behind effective leadership and emotional resilience.

We delve into the body’s natural responses—cortisol spikes and increased heart rates—when we receive feedback that feels critical. Genevieve explains how recognising these signals can help leaders pause, reflect, and choose to stay curious instead of defensive. She highlights the importance of oxytocin and serotonin, the "connection" and "happiness" chemicals, in creating a sense of belonging and stability at work. By fostering environments that reduce cortisol and boost these positive chemicals, leaders can help their teams, and themselves, feel safe and supported.

Genevieve also provides practical advice on enhancing our emotional regulation, from small acts of kindness that trigger serotonin boosts to preparing for difficult conversations by focusing on common interests and shared goals, ultimately deepening colleague connections. Her insights offer a powerful reminder that understanding the brain’s chemistry can be key to fostering healthier, more connected workplaces.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by James Marshall as we delve into the essential strategies and adaptations leaders need to build resilience in hybrid and remote teams. Drawing from his experiences, James shares key insights on the surprising shift leaders face when transitioning from in-office management to remote team leadership. He highlights the importance of fostering a collaborative environment, where team members are actively involved in shaping strategy and aligning with the business vision, even from afar. James emphasises the need for leaders to adopt a flexible mindset, focusing on the quality of work rather than quantity, and ensuring a strong framework for a culture of accountability and support is built. We discuss how to maintain mental well-being and productivity in fully remote teams and James advises regular check-ins and surveys, noting the particular challenges faced by more junior team members in remote setups. As the conversation unfolds, James explores whether a fully remote setup is sustainable for everyone and discusses the balance between remote work benefits and social drawbacks.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, Katja Rehse joins us to explore unlocking leadership potential through emotional (EQ) and spiritual intelligence (SQ). Katja shares her personal journey, highlighting that emotional intelligence involves not only emotional regulation but also an awareness of “emotional dosing”—understanding the right amount of emotion needed in various situations to be most effective. As we delve deeper into the importance of leaders demonstrating emotional intelligence, Katja emphasises the need to firstly be entirely aligned with yourself and understand the root causes to your own behaviours and emotions. Katja outlines a 4-step approach to begin your journey of self-alignment, paving the way for stronger emotional intelligence. Moving to spiritual intelligence, Katja explains how it helps leaders reach their full potential by incorporating self-care and self-awareness into their leadership style, resulting in more meaningful work and heightened intuition.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by leadership expert Chris Smith as we explore the art of becoming more influential within an organisation. Chris dives into the essential human side of leadership, explaining that real influence stems from humility, openness, and genuine engagement. Chris outlines actionable steps for leaders to achieve this "sweet spot" of humility, from spending time on the front line to continually asking questions and gathering input; treating your team as a community. We also discuss how leaders can influence ethically by aligning their actions with the values and concerns of their teams, supporting mental health, morale, and engagement. Ultimately, this episode offers powerful insights for leaders aiming to cultivate authentic influence in their organisations.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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In this episode of Helping Organisations Thrive, we are joined by Tamzin Hall as we explore Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact in the workplace. Tamzin explains how RSD is common in neurodivergent people but affects others too, causing intense emotional pain over perceived rejection, even from minor incidents, making it difficult to move forward. Tamzin shares strategies to help those affected build an understanding of their RSD and recognise the triggers, which can aid in managing reactions both in the moment and proactively. We discuss how leaders can support employees with RSD by clearly communicating the “why, what, when” behind decisions to minimise feelings of rejection.

If you are looking for a Blueprint to help you and your business manage uncertainty, deal with failure and navigate change then reach out to Julian at: julian@julianrobertsconsulting.com

You can buy my book "Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2

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