IN THIS EPISODE:

Today we discuss the challenges of being human at work with two of my favorite humans – Amanda & Simon Cookson.

The three of us have a passion for helping leaders and organizations build more human workplaces and shift away from the commoditization of employees that has created stifling, unproductive and dehumanizing work environments.

We talk about the power that humans have to innovate and succeed in times of disruption. We also talk about future trends in the workplace and the necessity for trust, vulnerability, and honesty, and a flexible, more person-centric workforce.

Amanda and Simon are partners in both their personal and professional lives. They’re married with two children and they are also the cofounders of the UK-based consulting firm, Northern Value Creators. Some of you might recognize Amanda from the “Leaders in Conversation” web series that she and I cohost.

I think Amanda and Simon are both brilliant and as we move through the conversation I’m sure you’ll see why.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS (in their own words):

Amanda:

“I’ve always been drawn to rebellious ideas and their potential to change the world.

Following years in senior roles, building award winning teams I realised that my approach and ideas were often at odds with conventional management thinking. Treating people like resources, controlling them through bureaucracy didn’t feel right. I knew there were better ways.

After my organisation went through a merger, radically shifting the culture; I began to feel like an outsider. My approach was not welcome and I felt under attack. Leaving this bruising experience behind me, I began my exploration into coaching and human leadership.

I was fascinated by how my experiences had impacted me, leading me to study the neuroscience of conversations and how our brains react in the workplace. This deep work allowed me to do what I love today – making business better by making them more human.”

Simon:

“It started back in the DotCom Boom when I was part of the team changing the way we do banking. For the past 20 years I’ve been involved in digital start ups, technical consultancies and big IT firms. All trying to bring about change with technology.

Stopping to reflect I realised most projects had failed, or at least failed to deliver what they promised. I wanted to know why. This investigation led to the founding of Northern Value Creators 4 years ago and shapes everything we do and believe today.

We can’t afford to keep getting it wrong. There are no more excuses.

We can get the people piece right.”

SHOW NOTES:

To connect with Simon on LinkedIn and Twitter.

To connect with Amanda on LInkedIn and Twitter.

Check them both out at: http://www.northernvaluecreators.com/ and https://peopleprimer.co.uk .

INSIGHT AT WORK PODCAST THEME MUSIC:

Our theme music is composed by Chris Lucca, Jr.. You can listen to more of Chris’ work at http://chrisluccamusic.com You can also connect with him on Twitter: @Flipluka and on Instagram: @_flipluka.music_

ABOUT THE HOST:

Ken Blackwell is a speaker, trainer, facilitator and executive coach. His signature practice is "rescuing Accidental Leaders and Dysfunctional Teams". His firm InKlaritas, based in Princeton, NJ, works with teams and leaders in companies in the U.S. around the world. You can find out more about InKlaritas at: www.InKlaritas.com and connect with Ken on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjblackwell/.