A real decision
The moment where a leader had to choose without complete certainty.
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Better Leadership
Better Leadership
Leadership gets real when the answer is not obvious.
Conversations from the Better@Work archive about leading people, making decisions and working through change.
From the podcastIdeas to put to work
Researchers and practitioners on the questions leaders face.
The editorial promise01 02 03
Useful enough for Monday. Honest enough for the hard bit.
A working tool
The question, practice or structure they still rely on.
The cost
What changed for the people around them, not only the result.
Start here
Leadership conversations already in the archive.
Listen to researchers and practitioners explore the work of leading.
Podcast archive
B@W
Are You Listening, or Just Waiting to Speak?
A good conversation changes what you say next.
Listener questions
Q&A
How to Say No at Work (With Respect)
Saying yes to one thing leaves less time for something else. So how do you decide what deserves your attention?
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Lead Without Doing It All Yourself with Caroline Webb
Season 5 starts with the guest who started it all. Caroline Webb is back, tackling a question every overloaded leader needs to answer: what should you stop doing yourself?
Better Moments
BM 7
Resilience Has a Ceiling
Toughing it out is not resilience. Chronic pressure without recovery drains people, and the ones praised for coping are often closest to the edge.
Better Moments
BM 5
Hope Is a Strategy?
Hope at work is not optimism. It is a goal worth reaching, more than one credible route forward and enough agency to move.
Better Moments
BM 4
The Four Things That Make Work Worth Doing
A good job is not the same for everyone.
Better Moments
BM 3
AI Doesn't Destroy Jobs. It Destroys Skills
The loudest predictions about AI count the jobs it might destroy. Russell Beck says that is the wrong unit of analysis.
Better Moments
BM 2
Why most companies don’t actually have a strategy
Most companies can show you a plan. Far fewer can explain the choices underneath it.
Season 4 finale
S4 E35
Four ideas that changed how we work
Cathal and Annette close out the season together in London and test the four ideas that actually changed how they work.
Podcast archive
S4 E34
The Strategy Framework That Took Sephora to 16 Billion
The final listener questions episode of Better at Work, Season 4.
Guest conversation
S4 E33
AI gives you the average, not the edge
Roger Martin explains the four-word question he uses in boardrooms and why a mode-seeking machine cannot make a distinctive strategic choice for you.
Guest conversation
S4 E32
Why planning isn't strategy
The world's leading strategy thinker dismantles the planning document, the laundry list and the myth that leaders make choices while everyone else executes.
Listener questions
S4 E31
The three needs every workspace must meet
Agency, growth and connection explain more about a workplace than paint colour, hot desks or the number of days people come in.
Guest conversation
S4 E30
Design a place that helps people thrive
Behavioural scientist Leidy Klotz explains how our surroundings feed or starve agency, growth and connection.
Listener questions
S4 E29
Stop starting. Start finishing.
A practical conversation about competing priorities, both-and thinking and preparing for a competency-based interview.
Guest conversation
S4 E28
Lead through competing demands
Wendy K. Smith brings both-and thinking out of the business-school case study and into the decisions leaders are making today.
Podcast archive
B@W
Pet Shop Rabbits, Hope, and Big Career Moves
Annette's back with three takeaways from last week's Jennifer Moss episode that genuinely changed how we think about hope at work. Plus a listener question from Paul, an Australian who's been working in Dublin for 7-8 years and is now moving the family home to Melbourne while weighing a career change.
Guest conversation
S4 E26
Burnout is not an individual failure
Jennifer Moss separates recovery habits from the organisational causes of burnout and explains what leaders can change.
Podcast archive
B@W
Tesla's Secret to Creativity, A Listener Breaking Under Retail Burnout, and Cathal Finally Gets New Glasses
What if the colleague who drives you up the wall is the one your organisation can't afford to lose?
Podcast archive
B@W
Why Culture Is the Most Powerful Force at Work (And How to Actually Change It)
Why Culture Is the Most Powerful Force at Work (And How to Actually Change It) | Marcus Collins
Podcast archive
B@W
Your Team Is Too Big (Here's the Ideal Size)
Your team might be too big to do its best work.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Hidden Reason Your Team Isn't Working
Colin Fisher went from touring the world as a jazz trumpet player to becoming one of the leading researchers on group dynamics at UCL. His new book, The Collective Edge, reveals why the structure around your team matters more than the talent inside it.
Podcast archive
B@W
Regretting a Career Move? Here's What to Do
She left her job for a direct competitor. Six months in, she wants out.
Podcast archive
B@W
Getting Fired to Harvard Business Review: Project Management Revolution
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez got fired for trying to bring project management to a top consulting firm.
Listener questions
Q&A
When Your Team Member Hates You + A Thank You Email That Went Viral
Q&A episode answering a tough leadership question from Emer, plus Annette's takeaways from Laura Gassner-Otting.
Podcast archive
B@W
Q&A: Work as a "Friend Factory" + Burnout Advice You Can Use Tomorrow
Q&A episode with Annette's top takeaways from Russell Beck + critical advice for dealing with burnout at work.
Podcast archive
B@W
Stop Worrying About AI. Start Worrying About THIS Instead
You won't lose your job to AI in 2026. You'll lose it to someone who knows how to use AI better.
Podcast archive
B@W
Christmas Episode 2025: Help Annette Ban the Word 'Problematic'
Our final episode of 2025! Cathal and Annette wrap up the year with takeaways from last week's Smart Conflict episode - plus Annette has a hilarious problem: she can't stop saying the word "problematic."
Podcast archive
B@W
Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work
Louise van Haast and Alice Driscoll, co-authors of Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work, join Cathal in-studio for a masterclass in navigating workplace conflict.
Podcast archive
B@W
Stuck in a Grad Program That Feels Too Narrow? Here's What to Do
A listener on a graduate program asks: "I'm not learning what I expected. The role feels narrow. I want to be an entrepreneur. What should I do?"
Podcast archive
B@W
Why I Started Better at Work (And Where We're Going Next)
You asked, we answered. In this special listener Q&A episode, co-host Annette turns the tables and asks Cathal the questions we usually ask our guests.This is the story behind Better at Work: why it started, what we're building, and where we're going next.💡 KEY INSIGHTS:"People invest so much time in personal trainers to help them look better. We're…
Podcast archive
S4 E5
The One Thing Every Employee Needs (But Never Gets)
Only 30% of people feel like someone at work cares for them as a person. The lowest it's ever been.Zach Mercurio refers to this as a mattering deficit. And you can't solve it with perks, programs, or engagement initiatives. You can only solve it through daily interactions where people feel genuinely cared for.In this conversation, Zach breaks down the…
Podcast archive
S4 E3
"What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" Is Backwards
Tasha Eurich spent 5 years studying resilience - interviewing hundreds of people, reviewing 1,300+ scientific articles, and analysing the 52 most cited resilience studies.
Podcast archive
B@W
Why careers aren't ladders anymore (and what to do instead)
Today we welcome Helen Tupper, CEO of Amazing If and co-author of the No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career. Helen has built her career across leadership roles at Microsoft, Virgin, and BP, and today helps millions of people rethink what career success really means through…
Podcast archive
B@W
Overcoming Burnout with Daisy Auger-Domínguez
In episode 45, we welcome Daisy Auger-Domínguez , a trailblazing executive dedicated to building vibrant and supportive cultures. Her new book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” offer practical strategies for overcoming burnout. With decades of experience driving transformation at Google and Disney, Daisy…
Podcast archive
B@W
How To Fix Toxic Work Culture with Colin D. Ellis
In episode 44, we welcome workplace culture expert Colin D. Ellis, an award-winning keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Culture Fix: How to Create a Great Place to Work and Detox your Culture: Deliver results, retain staff, and strengthen your organisation's reputation .
Podcast archive
B@W
Bridging the Gap between Employers & Gen Z Employees with Sinead D’Arcy
In episode 43, we welcome Sinead D'Arcy, an early talent & employer brand marketer who partners with organisations on their early talent strategy across the full 360 employee experience from attraction to selection, onboarding, ongoing development, retention & off-boarding. Sinéad does extensive work with people managers to help them understand…
Podcast archive
B@W
Using Behavioural Science to Influence Behaviour Change with Mike Daniels
In episode 42, we welcome behavioral scientist Mike Daniels, co-founder of the Behavioural Architects - a global insight, research and strategic consultancy organisation.
Podcast archive
B@W
Building Human-Centered Organisations with Aaron McEwan
In episode 41, we welcome behavioral scientist, psychologist, and futurist Aaron McEwan. Aaron discusses how the pandemic has fundamentally reshaped our relationship with work, marking a pivotal moment that underscores the importance of empathy and human-centered leadership within organisations.
Podcast archive
B@W
How to increase your productivity with Dermot Crowley
In episode 38, we welcome Dermot Crowley, one of Australia's leading productivity thought leaders. With over 25 years of experience, Dermot shares insights from his extensive background in productivity training and discusses the key theories behind his book Smart Work.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Importance and Impact of Questions with Pia Lauritzen
In episode 37, we welcome Pia Lauritzen, philosopher, tech entrepreneur and writer on the power of questions and why it's key to embracing curiosity and engaging in deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Podcast archive
B@W
Say It Skillfully with Molly Tschang
In episode 36, we welcome Molly Tschang, Founder of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully Inc. Molly teaches people at all levels to communicate skillfully and authentically to be seen, heard and understood on their most important and challenging topics.
Podcast archive
B@W
How To Create A Great Place To Work
In episode 34, we have something a little bit different for you. We speak to Rebecca Moulynox, the General Manager of Great Place To Work Australia and New Zealand, and Con Mouzouris, CEO of Mantel Group.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Psychology of Identity with Jay Van Bavel
In episode 33, we welcome Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neural science at New York University and author of the acclaimed book, " The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony ”."
Podcast archive
B@W
Design and Implement Winning Strategy with Marc Sniukas
In episode 32, we chat with Dr. Marc Sniukas about making better strategies for all levels - from leadership to management, to challenges in our everyday lives!
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Make Hybrid Working Work with Nick Bloom
In episode 31, we chat with Nick Bloom, a renowned Stanford economist and leading expert on remote work. Nick’s research has delved into the trends and preferences of employees for over twenty years. He’s full of insights and tips on the value of hybrid working and how to make the commute to the office count. Whether your workplace is remote, in-person…
Podcast archive
B@W
How To Be A Better Leader with Carol Kauffman
In episode 30, we chat with Carol Kauffman about being the best version of yourself in the toughest moments at work and in life. Whether you’re making a split-second decision when your business is hit sideways or finding the ways to stay calm when someone shouts you down in a meeting, how can you be at your best in the most crucial moments?
Podcast archive
B@W
How to be Better at Work - Better We
Welcome back to ‘part-two’ of our mini-series ‘How to be Better at Work’ where we delve into the essentials of improving ourselves and our relationships.
Podcast archive
B@W
How to be Better at Work - Better Me
In episode 26, we go deep on what makes a better day at work based on what we have learnt so far across two seasons of inspiring interviews with incredible people, plus our own lived experiences across global workplaces.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Science Behind Truly Engaged Teams with Jim Harter
In episode 25, we chat with Dr. Jim Harter about how developing the right habits in organisations can lead to increased productivity and better work environments. We go deep on what the latest research from Gallup is revealing about engaging and retaining employees.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Human Skills We Need in an Unpredictable World with Margaret Heffernan
In episode 23, we chat with Margaret Heffernan about the critical human skills that we need to confront the unexpected in today’s world.
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Have Better Meetings with Mamie Kanfer Stewart
In episode 22, we chat with Mamie Kanfer Stewart about creating effective and engaging meetings. Have you felt that you were wasting your time in a meeting, stuck in back-to-back meetings all day, and not getting to your work? Our listeners have told us this is a problem in many of their organisations and one that has worsened in recent years.
Podcast archive
B@W
Unlocking Your Best Performance with Kate Goodger
In episode 20, we chat with Kate Goodger about the approaches to unlock our best performance ever.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Power of Feedback with Joe Hirsch
In episode 19, we chat with Joe Hirsch about feedback. Most of us dread giving feedback and we're not that effective when we do. International lecturer and best-selling author Joe explains why our present method for feedback is flawed and he has made a career investigating how we can transform feedback from something we fear, to something that brings us joy.
Podcast archive
B@W
Becoming A Better Communicator with Maryanne O’Brien
In episode 17, we chat with Maryanne O’Brien about the importance of conscious communication in the workplace. Our work lives revolve around effective communication. It is essential for cultivating trust and team collaboration, as well as strengthening our motivation and well-being at work. And with teams experiencing more anxiety, stress, and burnout…
Podcast archive
B@W
How to be an Extraordinary Leader Using The Science of Trust with Joe Folkman
In episode 16 , we speak with Joe Folkman about leadership and trust.
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Work with Anyone (even Difficult People) with Amy Gallo
In episode 15, we speak with Amy Gallo about the most effective methods to deal with conflict and difficult people at work.
Podcast archive
B@W
Get Ready for the Future of Work with Lawrence Goldstone & Caitlin Guilfoyle
In episode 14 of Better@Work, we chat with two leading experts on the future of work, Lawrence Goldstone and Caitlin Guilfoyle. Many of the solutions for the future of work are vague when they’re not tied to an example e.g. ‘Upskilling’, ‘True self’, ‘Purpose’: Plus, these concepts are all journeys (maybe even journeys that don’t have measurable…
Podcast archive
B@W
How Being More Self-Aware Brings Success in Work and Life with Tasha Eurich
In episode 13 of Better@Work, we chat with one of the world’s leading thinkers and researcher on self-awareness, Dr. Tasha Eurich . Tasha shares her insights around why self-awareness is crucial when it comes to understanding ourselves and the people around us, how you go about developing it, what are the biggest misconceptions about it, and what can you…
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Handle Anxiety & Find Mental Wellness at Work with Chester Elton
In episode 12 of Better@Work, we chat with Chester Elton , Leadership Expert and Author. Chester shares his perspective on the #1 issue in workplaces across the globe, anxiety. Anxiety in the workplace has always been present, however, rates of anxiety, have increased significantly since 2020 and more people are quitting for mental health reasons.…
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Build a Successful Career with William Cowan
In our latest episode of Better@Work, we chat with William Cowan, author, and career strategist. We discuss the mistakes people make when attempting to take the next steps in their career. We dive into the simple ways to articulate your strengths and learn how you can really secure your dream role.
Podcast archive
B@W
Unlocking the Art of Coaching Through Science with Margaret Moore
In episode nine of this Better@Work episode, we chat with the amazing Margaret Moore aka “Coach Meg,” who is the founder and CEO of Wellcoaches, an evidenced-based wellness coaching school, that has trained over 14,000 coaches in 50 countries over the past 20 years.
Podcast archive
B@W
How Sensitivity at Work Can Be a Superpower Not a Burden with Melody Wilding
In episode eight of this Better@Work episode we explore with Melody Wilding how some of us sense and feel more than our colleagues at work and this can actually be a superpower instead of a liability.
Podcast archive
B@W
The Five Principles of Better Leadership with Amy Jen Su
In episode 7 of this Better@Work episode, we have an engaging chat on better leadership with the super smart and warm Amy Jen Su. We work through the five essential principles for bringing out your best-self every day. Amy understands busy leaders and entrepreneurs want to improve, however they don’t want to be overwhelmed at the prospect of doing more…
Podcast archive
B@W
Strategies to Prevent Burnout at Work with Jennifer Moss
In episode six of this Better@Work episode, we have an informative chat on burnout with our first Canadian guest, Jennifer Moss. Since early 2020, many of us have been operating in crisis mode; responding to the expanding demands of work, working from home while juggling family priorities all under the mental fog of chronic stress. Burnout is real and it…
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Harness Your Emotions at Work for the Better with Mollie West Duffy
In episode five of this Better@Work episode, we have a fun and super insightful chat about emotions at work with Mollie West Duffy. Molly and her co-collaborator Liz Fosslien are two of my favourite people to follow for their nuggets of wisdoms and illustrations. Mollie believes most of us shy away from sharing what we're feeling with colleagues and…
Podcast archive
B@W
Having a Super North Star Can Transform your Work and Life with Floyd Woodrow
In episode four of this Better@Work episode, we welcome the inspiring Floyd Woodrow. I love Floyd’s story and his amazing Compass for Life framework. A few years ago, I was looking for some inspiration to help me find my Super North Star and came across Floyd Woodrow DCM MBE. Floyd is Managing Director and founder of Chrysalis Worldwide, a world-leading…
Podcast archive
B@W
How to Handle Difficult Bosses and Toxic Co-workers with Tessa West
In episode three of this Better@Work episode, we’re excited to welcome the amazing Tessa West for a high energy, fun and insightful chat. I came across Tessa in the last year through her amazing book, Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to do About Them. Social psychologist Tessa has spent years leveraging science to help people solve interpersonal…
Podcast archive
B@W
The Secrets of Better Workplace Cultures with Bruce Daisley
In episode 2 of Better at Work, the secrets of better workplace cultures - simple everyday practices to improve how we all work together, which will lead to greater team and individual happiness and performance.
A question for the show
What is your organisation learning the hard way?
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