• 88 The HR Geek Out with Michelle Hartley
    Jan 27 2025

    Welcome to another episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by the insightful Michelle Hartley, a.k.a. the Queen of the Geeks and a true finder of awesome in the world of Human Resources.

    Michelle Hartley is a seasoned Human Resources professional who has witnessed the transformative evolution of HR into the comprehensive field of People and Culture. Her expertise spans the entire spectrum of organizational dynamics, from hiring to retiring. Michelle is adept at integrating training, development, cultural initiatives, and talent management into cohesive strategies that align with an organization's vision, mission, and values. She has a keen understanding of succession planning and the less glamorous, yet crucial, aspects of HR like payroll management, which she navigates with discretion and skill. Her holistic approach ensures that every facet of HR contributes to a thriving and inclusive workplace culture.

    With her business, People Sorted, Michelle brings a unique mix of humor and expertise to HR challenges, offering engaging solutions from training to complex issue resolution. In today's conversation, we delve into the evolving world of HR, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and how communication—or the lack thereof—can impact workplace relationships. Michelle shares her insights on organizational development, addresses the challenges of self-awareness among leaders, and highlights the crucial roles of civility and respect within organizations. Moreover, she openly discusses her personal experience with burnout and offers advice on recognizing and addressing it. Wrapping up, we explore the future of people management, considering trends like inclusive leadership, the influence of AI, and the importance of experiential learning. Michelle’s dynamic approach is not only informative but is guaranteed to leave you inspired. Join us for this impactful discussion on transforming HR, fostering self-awareness, and creating healthier work environments.

    Access People Sorted here

    Find Michelle on LinkedIn here

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • 87 Supercharge Self-Awareness: Starting an Energy Revolution with Wendy Shooter
    Jan 13 2025

    Welcome to another insightful episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, where we explore the world of self-aware leadership with host Dr Nia D Thomas.

    In today's episode, we are joined by Wendy Shooter, a chartered psychologist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in enhancing workplace dynamics. Wendy is a dedicated advocate for workplace well-being, leveraging her experience to transform professional environments into spaces where individuals can thrive. Initially drawn to the field of counselling, Wendy realized she craved a dynamic application of her skills, leading her to focus on improving the work experience. She believes that the root of many workplace challenges lies in interpersonal dynamics, and she is passionate about fostering environments where performance, well-being, and resilience coexist harmoniously. Her mission is to help people not only perform at their best but also find joy and satisfaction in their professional lives.

    Wendy shares her innovative creation, the My PowerBar App, designed to help individuals connect with and manage their personal energy across four key areas: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. This episode explores the transformative power of feedback, professional growth, and the crucial role of self-awareness within organizations. Wendy shares her unique methodologies like the "In My World" model and her PowerBar Energy Journal, offering practical tools for leaders to enhance personal growth and organizational cooperation. Join us as we uncover the ways in which self-knowledge can pave the path for more effective and harmonious leadership. Don't forget to check out additional resources linked in our show notes, including access to Wendy's app and journal, as well as Nia's website for further inspiration on your journey to becoming a self-aware leader.

    Click here to find out more about My PowerBar

    Find Wendy on LinkedIn

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 86 Transformative Conversations and Elevating Human Connections with Topaz Adizes
    Dec 30 2024

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast with your host, Dr. Nia Thomas.

    Today, we're joined by the visionary filmmaker and storyteller, Topaz Adizes. Topaz, the visionary behind The Skin Deep, has dedicated the last 11 years to fostering deep, cathartic conversations across a spectrum of relationships. By creating a space where individuals can engage in vulnerable dialogues—ranging from best friends and ex-lovers to parents and children, and coworkers—Topaz has witnessed over 1200 transformative interactions. Through this experience, he has honed the art of crafting poignant questions that encourage openness and connection. The impact of these conversations not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also enriches one's overall experience of life. Topaz's work underscores the profound changes that can emerge when people are given the opportunity to connect authentically.

    In this episode, Topaz shares his journey from film directing to facilitating immersive experiences like "The Grace Experience," while exploring themes of identity, human connection, and the evolving role of AI in our lives. Dive deep with us as we discuss the power of questions in fostering self-awareness and leadership, and how embracing 'hyperhumanism' can redefine our relational skills in a digitally-driven world.

    Stay tuned as we explore how crafting the right spaces for dialogue can lead to personal and professional growth, and hear insights about his innovative projects and thought-provoking "decks of questions." Let's embark on a journey of understanding ourselves and others, paving the way for respectful, creative work relationships.

    Find out more about Topaz here

    Check out The Skin Deep here


    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 85 Sweating the Small Stuff: Micro-interactions and Self-Aware Leadership with Sarah Langslow
    Dec 16 2024

    Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast where we explore the world of self-aware leadership with host Nia Thomas and thought leaders from around the globe.

    In today's episode, we're joined by the insightful Sarah Langslow, an executive coach and authority in leadership development with over two decades of experience. She has a distinctive perspective shaped by more than 3,000 hours spent coaching senior leaders. Sarah holds an MA and an MBA from the University of Cambridge and is a certified coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She authored 'Do Sweat the Small Stuff, focusing on the crucial impact of micro-interactions in leadership, establishing her as a sought-after advisor in her field.

    We'll explore Sarah's thoughts on micro-interactions and discuss how leaders can prioritise personal values over external demands. Tune in as we uncover methods for self-reflection, analyse the significance of the little things we say and do, and emphasise the importance of aligning leadership actions with core values.

    Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership style or foster a more supportive team environment, today's episode promises valuable insights and practical tools for continuous growth and strategic decision-making.

    Make sure you listen or watch this engaging conversation aimed at helping leaders thrive in their personal and professional lives.

    Head to Sarah's website here

    Buy Do Sweat the Small Stuff here

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 84 From Anxiety to Empowerment: the Path to Mindful Leadership with Dr Lalitaa Suglani
    Dec 2 2024

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast.

    In today's conversation, host Nia Thomas dives deep with the remarkable Dr Lalitaa Suglani, an award-winning psychologist and author of the impactful "High Functioning Anxiety."

    This episode centres on Dr Lalitaa's unique insights into managing high functioning anxiety, the power of self-awareness, and the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviours. Dr Lalitaa's five-step guide to empowerment is a focal point, emphasising intentionality, boundary-setting, and personal growth. Together, Nia and Lalitaa explore the nuances of modern work environments, offering strategies to balance digitalism with humanism, while addressing the challenges faced by neurodiverse people. Tune in as we uncover practical tools for leaders to foster self-awareness, authenticity, and supportive workplace dynamics, setting the stage for success and well-being.

    Buy Dr Lalitaa's book High Functioning Anxiety here

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 83 Leadership Evolutions: Imposter Phenomenon and Culture Shifts with Melanie Wilkey
    Nov 18 2024

    Welcome to an insightful episode of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, hosted by Dr Nia D Thomas.

    Today, we delve deep into the intriguing world of the imposter phenomenon with guest, Melanie Wilkey, Deputy Director of Commissioning at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

    Melanie Wilkey is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience, adept at navigating the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Throughout her career, she has continually emphasized the importance of self-awareness in leadership, recognizing it as a crucial lens through which to view and enhance her effectiveness within complex organizational contexts. Working in a partnership-driven environment, Melanie understands the significance of perception—from peers to line managers and partners—in shaping successful leadership dynamics. Her approach focuses on understanding the needs of her team, supporting and developing them aptly to meet the challenges of a 24/7 world where healthcare delivery is rapidly evolving due to new innovations and higher patient expectations. As the industry transforms, Melanie remains committed to adapting her leadership style, valuing empathy and introspection to meet the demands of the present and future.

    Melanie shares her rich expertise in healthcare and leadership as we explore how feelings of imposture can impact leadership dynamics, recruitment processes, and organizational culture. From understanding the subtle differences between the "imposter phenomenon" and "imposter syndrome" to discussing innovative recruitment practices and fostering self-awareness in leaders, this episode promises to offer practical insights and strategies for navigating these complex issues.

    Join us as we uncover how to balance authenticity and confidence in leadership while embracing the invaluable opportunities that lie within challenges and change.

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • 82 Unveiling Hidden Talents - CDR Assessments and Coaching with Nancy Parsons
    Nov 4 2024

    Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, hosted by Dr Nia D Thomas. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Nancy Parsons, an expert with over 35 years in leadership development and talent management, as our guest.

    Nancy Parsons is a pioneering expert in leadership development and personality assessment. In 1998, alongside her business partner Kim Leverage, she co-founded CDR with the vision of enhancing leadership effectiveness through innovative tools. Together, they created the 3D Suite, a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates deep personality traits, identifies risks for derailment under stress, and uncovers intrinsic motivators. This suite aims to foster self-awareness and development, providing unique insights into character and passion. Parsons' work continues to revolutionize leadership coaching, helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.

    We'll explore how this tool enhances self-aware leadership by providing deep insights into personality traits, risks, and motivators, and how it can revolutionise leadership development across all employee levels. We'll also explore the impact of AI in coaching, challenges in traditional hiring processes, and the importance of self-awareness for effective decision-making and career success. Whether you're an industry leader or looking to boost personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone. Join us to learn how you can enhance leadership potential and improve team dynamics.

    • Access CDR-U assessments here
    • Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn here
    • Buy Nancy's books here

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 81 Employee Happiness and Workplace Culture with Aoife O'Brien
    Oct 21 2024

    Welcome to The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast! Today's episode promises a deep dive into the intricate landscape of workplace satisfaction and self-awareness as we welcome our guest, Aoife O'Brien.

    Aoife is the visionary founder of Happier at Work, bringing over two decades of experience with global giants like Unilever, Mars, Coca Cola, and Kraft Heinz. Renowned for her expertise in data-driven problem solving, Aoife is dedicated to enhancing productivity and employee engagement. She collaborates with HR and business leaders in medium-sized organizations to create thriving work environments, with a keen professional interest in addressing imposter syndrome. As the host of the acclaimed Happier at Work podcast, Aoife shares her insights on building positive workplaces. She holds an MSc in work and organisational behaviour and is a member of the CIPD.

    Together, we'll explore a framework for happiness at work, focusing on values alignment, need satisfaction, and strengths utilization. We discuss the cultural impact within organizations and how unmet needs can manifest as workplace frustrations. We'll delve into Aoife's personal insights on self-awareness and imposter syndrome, tapping into the essence of self-belief and resilience. Furthermore, we'll touch upon the evolving role of data in HR and explore the potential of technology in enhancing workplace satisfaction. Whether you're looking to probe the depths of your self-awareness, seeking ways to elevate happiness at work, or simply eager for insightful conversations, this episode is brimming with actionable insights and compelling narratives. Tune in as we unpack these diverse topics with our guest, Aoife O'Brien, bringing her wealth of experience to the table!

    Access Happier at Work services and podcast here

    Connect with Aoife on Linkedin here

    Support the show

    Find Out More
    Thanks for joining me on my learning journey! Until next time...

    • Find out About me
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Sign up to my Newsletter


    Rate and Review
    Once you've taken a listen please leave a rate and review on your favourite podcast player. A little word from you means a big deal to me!

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins