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Ever found yourself thinking, “How am I meant to stay calm when everyone else is losing it?” In this fourth episode of our Thriving Workplace Cultures mini-series, we explore how to stay professional and compassionate; even when others aren’t.

From gossip and eye-rolling to stress-fuelled reactions and toxic tension, we look beneath the behaviour to uncover what’s really going on. Fear, insecurity, and burnout often sit at the heart of unhelpful behaviour, and recognising that can help us respond with empathy rather than reactivity.

We unpack practical strategies to handle these situations with confidence and care: how to set clear boundaries, use emotionally intelligent language, and adapt communication for different personalities, whether you’re dealing with fiery, fast-paced colleagues or quiet, detail-focused ones. We also explore the concept of compassionate engagement (caring personally while challenging directly) and why managing yourself first is the most powerful way to change the tone around you.

Listen if you want to:

• Stay calm, confident and professional under pressure
• Learn simple phrases to de-escalate tension and protect your boundaries
• Understand what drives toxic behaviour — and how to respond without getting drawn in

Try this this week:
When faced with difficult behaviour, take a breath and ask yourself, “What’s this really about — and what energy do I want to bring to it?” Because professionalism isn’t about perfection; it’s about self-management in the moments that matter most.

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In the third episode of our Thriving Workplace Cultures mini-series, we explore how setting and keeping good boundaries isn’t just self-care ; it enables the overall culture to thrive. We explore how to protect your energy, manage pressure, and model healthy balance at work: raising self-awareness to the risk of self-sacrifice in a ‘take’ culture.

We look at what it means to be your own Chief Energy Officer, how to protect your “pleasure oasis” amid hybrid chaos, and why proactive boundary-setting helps teams perform better, not less. We share real-world phrases for saying no without guilt, practical ways to plan ahead for busy periods, and the mindset shifts that turn exhaustion into empowerment. So that precious moments of downtime do not become like a mirage where you melt in a haze of admin catch up!

Listen if you’re:

• Feeling stretched too thin or “always on”
• Leading others and want to model sustainable performance
• Ready to turn healthy boundaries into a shared team habit

Try this this week:
Pick one of the boundary-setting phrases that feels natural to you — and use it once. You’re not just protecting your time; you’re showing others how to thrive too.

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In this second episode of our 5-part focus exploring Thriving Workplace Cultures, we take a look at the dark side of working in an organisation- what do to when things turn bad. Trust and fairness are key foundations - the give and the get

Notice, Choose and Act

you are not alone, an organisation is bigger than the individual so keep your boundary lines clear in your head in terms of appropriate levels of accountability and responsibility

We share our new PEACE approach for calmer, more productive conversations and interactions: Purpose, Explain, Accept, Collaborate and Engage:

Purpose - keep eyes on the future win from the interaction - the why

Explain - your thinking so people see your reasoning - the context

Accept - that it is ok for others to hold different, passionate views - we are not AI

Collaborate - drop the ego to compete and work sideways on - teamwork

Engage - keep the dialogue open and respect through listening - rapport

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What does a thriving workplace culture actually look and feel like, and how do leaders and teams create it with intent, not luck?

In this episode we unpack the ingredients of culture, from values and beliefs through to everyday attitudes and behaviours. We explore the power of “culture architects” (the often-unsung people who shape the vibe), why stories shift beliefs more than posters on a wall, and what we can still learn from the legendary Fish Philosophy.

Expect practical insights on:

• Why articulating culture in simple, human terms matters.
• How frontline experiences mirror leadership behaviours.
• The role of language, stories, and everyday choices in shaping culture.

Whether you’re leading a global team, part of a micro-culture in a department, or simply reflecting on “the way things are done around here,” this episode will inspire you to be intentional about the culture you’re part of—and the story you’re helping to tell.

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In the final of our four-part mini-series on setting up next-gen talent, we explore what it really means to “send the elevator back down.” We unpack the mindset shift from “prove myself” to “create space for others,” and why apprenticeships aren’t just for 19-year-olds: career-changers and “old learners” are in the mix too. We share practical ways team leaders can balance stretch with nurture, invite newer voices into the room, and leave a legacy that you are proud of.

In this episode, we cover:

• Stage, not age: Apprenticeships span first-jobbers to mid-career pivots—see the person before the label.
• Coach first, manager second: How to scaffold learning without overwhelming; build in feedback loops that stick.
• Share the mic: Spot moments to pass the spotlight and help apprentices land early wins.
• EQ in action: Why generosity, humility and self-awareness turn experience into impact.

Listen if you are: onboarding apprentices, leading hybrid teams, or ready to swap solo heroics for collective lift.

Try this this week: In your next meeting, intentionally bring in one apprentice (or newer voice). Offer a clear entry point (“I know you’ve been exploring X, would you share your take?”) and follow up with two questions: What worked? What would you do differently next time?

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In this episode, we dive into one of the trickiest and most important leadership skills: giving (and receiving) feedback in today’s workplace. From first hand transatlantic insights, to the realities of mental health at work, we explore what it really takes to create a culture where feedback fuels growth rather than fear.

We discuss:

• Generational differences — why feedback lands so differently across age groups, and what leaders can do about it.
• Clarity and growth mindset — using language that motivates rather than deflates.
• Receiving feedback well — how to model openness and set the tone for your team.
• Mental health and support — recognising when feedback needs to be paired with compassion and care.

Whether you’re leading a Gen Z-heavy team, supporting experienced colleagues through change, or simply wanting to sharpen your own feedback muscles, this episode offers practical tips, honest reflections, and a reminder that feedback is a two-way street.

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In this episode we explore how to set the next generation up for success at work — and what that means for leaders, managers, and colleagues today. We are joined by the brilliant Katharine Allan who is passionate about bridging the gap between intergenerational norms to create successful and flourishing cultures.

We’ll dive into:

• Expectations — how to be clear, fair, and flexible without lowering the bar.
• Etiquette — the small everyday behaviours that build respect across generations.
• Role models — why what you do matters more than what you say when it comes to leading new talent.

Whether you’re welcoming Gen Z into your team, navigating different workplace styles, or reflecting on how to retain great people, this episode is about building bridges, not barriers.

Practical tips, honest reflections, and a reminder that every generation has something to teach — and something to learn.

Katharine can be contacted via LinkedIn and details of her charity Campus to Campus can be found here

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Welcome to our latest 4-part mini-series exploring what it really means to set up the next generation for success in the workplace.

We look at the core foundations that help people thrive at work, from building confidence and emotional intelligence, to role-modelling healthy behaviours and setting clear boundaries. In this episode we discuss how today’s world of constant technology, hybrid working, and ever-present “little eyes and ears” at home has changed what it means to learn, lead and grow.

We explore:

• Why role-modelling values like integrity, respect and curiosity matters more than ever.
• How to create a safe space for learning and mistakes – without judgement.
• The impact of home-working on what the next generation sees (and hears!) about “work.”
• Practical actions we can all take to instil confidence, emotional literacy, and resilience in those around us.

A useful listen for anyone supporting early-career talent, mentoring younger colleagues, or simply reflecting on the responsibility we all have to pass on sustainable working skills.