Power. It’s a word that divides opinion. Is it something to aspire to, or does it make you feel uncomfortable?

In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating and often misunderstood topic of power. My guest, Jennifer Gardner, a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer, persuasive communications expert, and educator, unpacks the dynamics of influence, emotional intelligence, and the cultural biases that shape our perception of power.

We explore questions like:

• What does it take to harness your authentic power?
• How can leaders balance influence with empathy?
• And why do societal biases make power feel like a double-edged sword—especially for women?

Jennifer brings her wealth of courtroom experience to show how empathy and emotional intelligence can redefine how we lead, inspire, and connect. Whether you’re a leader trying to navigate through complex challenges or someone looking to amplify your presence, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace your power and use it for good.

So, if you’re ready to rethink what power means, join us for a conversation that might change how you you use yours.

----more----

• Why power is influence, not dominance
• Emotional intelligence is a Leadership Superpower
• How and why cultural biases create power challenges
• Why effective influence starts with authenticity
• Why power is not a dirty word

----more----

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:10 - Introduction to Power and Influence 00:04:12 - Jennifer’s Background and Early Awareness of Power 00:07:45 - Discovering Influence Through Storytelling 00:13:27 - The Gender Power Divide 00:16:13 - Societal Conditioning Around Power 00:21:57 - Leadership Biases and Political Parallels 00:28:04 - Overcoming Bias and Embracing Influence 00:34:34 - Mastering Emotional Intelligence 00:43:26 - Sticky Notes: Three Keys to Power and Influence

----more----

Get the full transcript of the episode here

As we approach 2025, the workplace continues to evolve in response to global challenges, rising costs, and shifting workforce expectations. In this solo episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram reflects on the big lessons from 2024 and explores the seven trends that will define organizational culture, leadership, and engagement in the year ahead.

From continuous learning to meaningful work, from hybrid working to mental health, Andy unpacks why these trends matter, what organizations are getting right, and where there’s room for growth. With thought-provoking questions, best practice examples, and actionable insights, this episode is a rallying call to rethink and recommit to people-first leadership in the face of unprecedented change.

Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or just curious about what the future of work looks like, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead of the curve.

If you’re ready to embrace the opportunities that 2025 brings, this episode is a must-listen.

----more----

• Why continuous learning is a business imperative
• Why transparency and trust are critical when embracing AI to working practices
• How to move beyond the hot mess of hybrid work
• Why yoga and breathing apps don't cut it when it comes to mental health support
• How to move from DEI tickboxes to meaningful impact
• Why meaning at work matters
• Why leaders must champion culture

----more----

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:10 - Introduction: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025 00:04:30 - Trend 1: The Importance of Continuous Learning 00:07:31 - Trend 2: AI in HR — Opportunities and Challenges 00:10:20 - Trend 3: Hybrid Work — Flexibility Requires Structure 00:13:14 - Trend 4: Mental Health as a Core Strategy 00:15:47 - Trend 5: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — A Business Imperative 00:18:36 - Trend 6: Creating Meaningful Work Experiences 00:21:12 - Trend 7: Leadership Connection and Championing Culture 00:45:24 - Closing Thoughts: The Future of Work Is Human

----more----

Get the full transcript of the episode here

Why don’t we question traditional leadership training more often? The world is shifting under our feet, with complex global challenges, AI, and sustainability demanding leaders who think differently. Yet many organisations and institutions still rely on approaches designed for yesterday’s problems.

In this episode, Andy Goram talks to Ed Fidoe, founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, who’s taking a bold, innovative approach to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Ed believes that interdisciplinary thinking—combining knowledge across fields—is critical for tackling the messy, interconnected issues that dominate today’s landscape.

This thought-provoking conversation dives into how education and leadership development need to evolve, why adaptability, empathy, and long-term thinking are the “ninja skills” of the future, and how businesses can prepare their people to lead with purpose and impact. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to build a successful leader, this episode is a must-listen.

----more----

• Why interdisciplinary thinking is essential for future leaders
• How the traditional MBA and Leadership training need to evolve
• Why the "Ninja-like" skills of adaptability, systems thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making are becoming non-negotiable for leaders
• Why effective, modern leaders must care about more than just short-term outcomes
• Why education and business must adapt together

----more----

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:10 - Leadership at a Crossroads: Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short 00:03:49 - Meet Ed Fidoe: The Vision Behind the London Interdisciplinary School 00:07:54 - Why Interdisciplinary Thinking is Crucial for Future Leaders 00:15:42 - Rethinking the MBA: Developing Foresight for Complex Systems 00:20:48 - The Case for Long-Termism in Leadership 00:23:22 - Building Critical Leadership Skills for the 21st Century 00:28:22 - Overcoming Barriers to Interdisciplinary Leadership 00:39:22 - Embedding Values and Purpose in Leadership Development 00:45:24 - Sticky Notes: Ed Fidoe’s Three Key Pieces of Leadership Advice

----more----

Get the full transcript of the episode here